Steven R. Seidel, 62, a resident of Houghton, Mich., passed away on the morning of June 26, 2014, at home. He was born on July 31, 1951 in Evanston, Ill., a son of the late Roland and Natalie Gatzke Seidel. Steven was raised in Des Plaines, Ill. and Kankakee, Ill. After graduating from Westview High School, Steven earned a B.A. in mathematics from St. Olaf College. He went on to complete a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in computer science. Dr. Seidel began his teaching career at Virginia Commonwealth University. In 1984, he joined the faculty at Michigan Technological University. He retired as a professor this past March. On Jan. 5, 1974, he was united in marriage to Ellen Yurista Seidel ’73. Dr. Seidel was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Houghton. He had many interests, including music and art, but truly enjoyed anything automotive and especially trains.

Survivors include his wife, Ellen; children, Hannah and Carl; grandchildren, Sophia, Eva, and Violet; brother, Charles; and an extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Houghton; Doctors without Borders; or a charity of the donor’s choosing.