George Henry “Hank” Seiler was born on April 17, 1916 in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was one of twelve children born to Jacob and Louise Leider Seiler. The family homesteaded north of Madrid where Hank grew up. He began his farming career with horses.

As a young man, Hank spent time in Colorado and California. When World War 2 became imminent, he moved to Buffalo, New York to work for Martin Aircraft in manufacturing bombers and testing armament. His first wife, Dolores “Dee” Schreiter, followed him to Buffalo and they were married on May 17, 1941. They moved to Omaha where Hank continued to work for Martin until the end of the war. The family then moved to a farm southeast of Grant. Dee died during heart surgery in 1961.

Hank was married to Meredith Whitman on December 23, 1964. They moved into Grant and Hank continued to farm, served as a police officer for the City of Grant, worked in building maintenance at Grant High School, and was involved in appliance repair . Hank also drove a school bus for Grant Schools for over 25 years. Hank developed many relationships with the students, families, and fellow bus drivers that continued until he died. Meredith died in 1992 and Hank continued to make his home in Grant until 2009 when he moved to Bickford Cottage Assisted Living in Grand Island to be closer to family. He died in Grand Island on September 10, 2011. He had reached the age of 95.

Hank served on the school board of rural district #15 when they lived south of Grant. He was a member of the Grant Volunteer Fire Department. He helped maintain the Brandon Community Church where he attended with Meredith and was a longtime member of the Grant Zion Lutheran Church. He enjoyed reading, drawing, painting, welding sculptures, hunting and travelling. He always enjoyed visiting with his friends and family.

In addition to his two wives, he was preceded in death by his five brother and 6six sisters. Hank is survived by three sons - David and his wife Kathy of Surprise, Arizona, James of Ovid, Colorado, and Kevin and his wife Ruth of Ft. Collins, Colorado; two daughters - Nancy Focken and Annette and her husband Mike Luber, all of Grand Island; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends. He lived a long, interesting and satisfying life. He will be missed by many.

His cremains will be buried in the Grant Fairview Cemetery. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 8, at 11:00 a.m. at the Grant Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Ron Krause officiating. A memorial has been established.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.