Marjorie Vivian (Channel) Seiwald

Marjorie Vivian (Channel) Seiwald was born February 8, 1921 in Soldier, Kansas, and she passed from this life on March 27, 2019 in Lawrence, Kansas. Throughout her life, she was affectionately known as “Marj.”

She was the only child of Roscoe Channel and Alma Vivian Channel, and she grew up in the Depression Era of the 1920s and 1930s.

Her parents were from farming families, but they wanted a different life, which her father pursued by selling automobiles while her mother was the homemaker.

This choice meant that the family moved often in those difficult times, so Marj attended public schools in several Kansas towns including Topeka, Salina, Great Bend, Minneapolis, Dodge City and Holton. She often said that this is why she learned to make friends so easily.

In 1935, the family settled in Lawrence, Kansas where Marj completed her education, graduating from Lawrence Memorial High School in 1938. Music lessons and performance were an important part of her young life, and she was particularly proud of the vocal music awards she won in high school.

After high school, Marj worked in retail jewelry sales in Lawrence, Kansas and New Orleans, Louisiana, then returned to Lawrence where she spent the remainder of her long life.

In 1946, she married Arthur A. Seiwald and began her own family with two sons: Rodney and Rick.

After her sons were born, Marjorie was active in the community as president of the PTA and member of the choir at the First Methodist Church, Lawrence, Kansas. Later, she was active in the professional women’s service club, Pilot International.

When Marj went back to work in the 1950’s, she sold real estate, worked as a customer service representative, dental assistant, and clerical secretary. But the career that gave her the most satisfaction came in the 1970s when she and Art began buying and restoring antiques and selling them at a local flea market. After Art’s passing Marj used her knowledge and experience to build an estate appraisal and dispersal business when she maintained until her retirement in 1990.

Marj was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and grandson Michael Eric Seiwald.

She is survived by her sons, Rodney and wife Jennifer, Rick and wife Cheryl. Three granddaughters, Erica Seiwald, Gretchen Seiwald Hayes, and Kelsey Parson. Great grandchildren, Shelby Samantha, Lyle Kinsley, Holden, Graham, and Rhett. Two great-great grandchildren, Benjamin and Emma.

Here is Marj’s parting wish in her own words: “To my dear family and friends, think of me smiling, laughing, and happy, or don’t think of me at all.”

16 Condolences

  1. Kim your therapist and friend on March 29, 2019 at 5:55 pm

    I love you Marj, you always made my heart happy. I will miss you my dear friend and all of our visits. I hope to see u again.



  2. Barbara and Delbert Seiwald on March 29, 2019 at 10:02 pm

    Rod and Rick and families, I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom. What a peaceful way to leave this life. I thought of her often, and enjoyed visiting with her. We always had a good visit.



  3. Mary Watts on March 30, 2019 at 8:51 am

    words cannot express the love my family has for Marj. She was my mothers best friend, like a mother to me, another grandmother to my kids. She was a wonderful woman. To Rick, Rod, and families; love to all of you.



  4. TYLER WATTS on March 30, 2019 at 9:18 am

    I was blessed to have known Marj, who was a great friend to the Reuter family and by extension the Watts kids. She will be greatly missed. The Lord be with all of those who mourn the passing of this wonderful woman!

    “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” (Revelation 13:12-13)



  5. David and Mary Baron on March 30, 2019 at 9:19 am

    Thoughts and Prayers to Rodney, Rick and family.. what an adventurous life Marj had the chance to live. With love, David and Mary Baron



  6. Rosie Hicks on March 30, 2019 at 10:39 am

    Rick,
    My heart goes out to you and your family. I am so sorry to hear about the death of your Mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    Love, Rosie Channel Hicks



  7. Peter and Ann Martin of Redstone, Co on March 30, 2019 at 10:44 am

    We enjoyed visiting with her in Kansas last summer. Got to see the family pictures
    and stories about her sons. Great smile. Special lady. We send our condolences
    and confirm our admiration.



  8. Linda Lester on March 30, 2019 at 11:13 am

    Thinking of the Family…..Marj was such a special person….
    Linda Lester



  9. Kyle (Watts) Pitts on March 30, 2019 at 12:43 pm

    Marj was always so welcoming and let my brothers and I stay with her countless times. I have fond memories visiting Marj with my grandmother, Lois and going to the pool and swimming with Gretchen. Marj even helped me plan a surprise birthday party for Lois when I was about 11 years old. What an amazing lady, full of humor and grit and grace. God’s peace to all her family and friends.



  10. Rosie Brooks on March 30, 2019 at 12:44 pm

    Rodney and Rick – I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. She was a lovely woman who had impeccable taste and a wonderful sense of humor.

    As you know, Marj was my first mother-in-law and I learned a lot from her, including to eat with my mouth shut. Not only was she a wonderful mother-in-law, but she was also a great cook who inspired me to become a good cook.

    May she rest in peace.



  11. Carl and Dalea Reuter on March 31, 2019 at 12:23 am

    Marj was always a hoot to be around. Witty and smart. What a great friend her and Lois were to each other. The Good Lord has his hands full now with those two wonderful ladies now. God be with your family in your time of need. We love you all. God Bless, Carl and Dalea Reuter



  12. Brad Burnside on March 31, 2019 at 6:38 am

    Dear Rick and Cheryl,

    Please accept my sympathies.

    Brad Burnside



  13. Mitchell A. Rider on March 31, 2019 at 4:48 pm

    Marg and her Son’s were very special to me as I played at my Uncle Leo and Aunt Mary Margaret Katzfeys house next door as a very young little boy. Some people’s impact on a person makes that person carry that impact with them for life, although contact per se has been lost. Marg made that impact on me for sure. I will indeed miss you Marg. I love you. Thank you for being so kind to me.



  14. David Holroyd on March 31, 2019 at 11:20 pm

    Marj and Nancy Zimmerman were the greatest pair to conduct estate sales………….They both knew what they were doing and many people who attended were the beneficiaries of two really , really nice women. Marj with her business fortitude and Nancy with her exuberance could sell any thing to anybody. Many times Nancy would lower the price to a young couple who wanted a table, home accessory and pay the difference. Marj took care of the money!



  15. Greg Nabors on April 2, 2019 at 10:14 am

    Fond memories of Marj at Quantrill’s Flea Market. My mom and I always stopped in and talked to Marj, and she always showed us around her booth. My mom bought several pieces from her over the years, and I still have an antique piano stool purchased from Marj.



  16. Lori C Zuck on April 3, 2019 at 11:21 am

    Rick,
    I am certain that one of your mother’s finest accomplishments was in raising you (& your brother as well). You are such a kind, upstanding individual & although I did not know her, she reads as a fine individual herself! Sending you & your family good thoughts during this difficult time…
    Sincerely,
    Lori Zuck



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