Reuben Ellis Seelund's Obituary
On Saturday, May 20th, 2023, Reuben Ellis Seelund went with the heavenly angels to rest in eternal peace at the age of 81. He was born to Reuben and Ruth Ellen Seelund on August 30th, 1941. He had no siblings, but over the years had many “brothers and sisters.
His parents divorced when he was a young child, which gave him the opportunity to spend time with relatives. When his mother remarried, they traveled to many places due to his stepfather’s service commitment. Upon graduating from High School, he enlisted in the US ARMY at the age of 17. Only when he was nominated to go to Officer’s Training School did they discover his age so he was unable to attend. He served his country including a tour in Alaska working on night missiles.
When he returned home, he was employed by Illinois Bell Telephone Co and remained until his retirement in 1991. After moving to Florida, he started his own business, THE YARD MAN which he operated for more than 25 years.
During his time in Illinois, he was involved in the community, acting as Lions Club President, Telephone Co Pioneers, and involved in a Trail Riding Horse Club with his family. He accompanied AJ on many of his Boy Scout camping trips and adventures and was so proud of his Eagle Scout rank.
His love for the outdoors was evident through archery, muzzleloading, bowling, hunting, fishing, boating and horseback riding. He loved racing and Nascar and at one time owned a Harley. He loved Bike Week and did some off road ATV riding with his buddy, RIP, Phil.
He had an eye for woodcrafting, refinishing furniture and the mechanical knowledge to restore and repair cars. After his retirement from the lawn service, he had a new hobby-knife making. He made many knives, each one personalized, crafted with detail and precision. Reuben was an avid reader, instilled in him by his mother to learn through books.
There were trips to North GA, NC, SC and TN taking in all the beauty of waterfalls and antiquing. He drove the entire Blue Ridge Parkway and all the places along the way. He climbed Grandfather Mountain, rode the Cog Railway to Pike’s Peak in C0 and listened to bluegrass jazz in the mountains. He toured the beacons of light in ME visiting as many lighthouses as possible.
During his lifetime, he was a role model to his children and grandchildren and loved them unconditionally. He was always happy to fix a tool, repair what was broken or lend a hand to help his family, friends and neighbors.
He leaves behind his best friend, his partner, and loving wife, Connie, of 43 years, his children: Rachelle Leckrone (Jim) in IL, Reuben M. Seelund (Cristel) in IL, Angie Culpepper (Clay) in FL and A.J.Seelund (Bella) in FL. His beloved grandchildren knew him as PAPA and he cherished them: Danielle(IL), Mattson(IL), Joey(IL), Ashby(FL) ,Carson(FL), Hagan(FL), Jolie(FL) and Rowan(FL).
There will be a Celebration of Life on June 24th,2023 in Ormond Beach at the clubhouse in Bear Creek Village. His ashes will be distributed at a later date in the fall.
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