The City of Wayne lost a true original last weekend.

John C. Seiler, Sr, the first elected Judge for the City of Wayne, died Saturday morning, April 5, 2008, in Prescott, Arizona. He was 90 years old.

“He was an exemplary provider and protector, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who is greatly missed by his family and friends,” said his son, John Jr.

Judge Seiler was born on December 15, 1917 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of John and Marie (Ziegler) Seiler.  He graduated in 1935 from Henry Ford Trade School and was a Tool and Die maker until 1941, when he was drafted into the U.S. Army.

He served until 1945 and rose to the rank of Captain as he fought his way across France and Germany.

When he returned home he went back to school.  He graduated in 1950 from the Detroit College of Law and became an attorney.  In 1960, he was elected the first Municipal Court Judge for the City of Wayne, and until 1985 presided over the 29th District Court.

“I thought he was very good, very fair,” said former City Manager Tom Daily. “He treated everyone the same.  He didn’t have any favorites.  He was a good judge for the City of Wayne.”

He was active in the community during his tenure, too. He was a member of the Wayne Kiwanis Club for more than 50 years.

“He had a good relationship with the community,” said Wayne Mayor Al Haidous. “I used to see him around town and he always took the time to talk with me.

“I always respected him a lot,” Haidous added.

Current City Manager John Zech said he met Judge Seiler when Zech came to work for the City of Wayne in the 1970s. He was instrumental in planning the move from the old courthouse on Michigan Avenue to the current location on Sims Avenue.

“He was a neat guy,” Zech said. “I enjoyed working with him.”

Retired 29th District Court Judge Carolyn Archbold tried to unseat him during the end of his career, but Judge Seiler was re-elected.  He stepped down during the middle of that term and Judge Archbold was subsequently appointed.   Two years later, he and his wife, Caroline, retired to Prescott, Arizona.   Mayor Al Haidous said he left a strong legacy, though.

“He served the community and he served it well,” said Mayor Haidous, who is planning to hold a moment of silence for Judge Seiler at the next City Council meeting. “He’ll be missed.”

Judge Seiler is survived by three children: John Jr., Caroline, and Edward; three grandchildren, Meranda Curiel, Carrie Rose, and Christoffer, and five great-grandchildren, Steven, Samantha, Jacob, and Jordin by Meranda, and Ian by Carrie.  (Journal Newspapers-Thursday, April 10, 2008)

CROTON, JoAnn M. of Kensington, MD, formerly of Wayne, MI, died October 26, 2007.

Beloved wife of the late Melvin “Mel”, mother of Ilene Lineberry and Sharon Russell, grandmother of Tina (Daniel) Link, Ross Russell and Shannon Russell. She is also survived by 5 great grandchildren, 3 brothers, one sister and her nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wayne, MI., Friday , November 2 at 1:00 pm with instate from 12:00 noon until 1;00 pm.  Interment will be at Glenwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, National Capital Area, 11240 Waples Mill Road, Suite 402, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Final arrangements were entrusted to Harry J. Will Funeral Home.