Glenford C. Seelbinder

On Tuesday, January 10, 2023 we lost a remarkable husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many.  Glenford Seelbinder passed away surrounded by loved ones at the age of 94 years.

Glen was born to Hugo and Elsie (Masch) Seelbinder on November 8, 1928, in Detroit Michigan.

As a teen he found himself chasing fire trucks, ambulances and the love of his life, Shirley Lynch.  He spotted her at Duck Lake, where vacationing kids would all meet up to play baseball and swim in the lake. They fell in love and were married on May 6th, 1949.

Shortly after they married, Glen decided to pursue his childhood dream of owning an ambulance business as he realized a need for ambulances in the Oakland County area. He bought an old hearse and converted it into the areas first ambulance and together they founded Suburban Ambulance.   Shirley took the emergency calls and managed the books while Glen was on the road responding to the calls.   As the business grew, so did their family.  Glen and Shirley welcomed three girls into the world and precipitated a move to Connecticut and 11-mile Road in Royal Oak, MI where they tended to both their children and business.

Glen and Shirley eventually bought a second home in Caseville, Michigan where they loved to spend time fishing, golfing and snowmobiling with many of their great friends and family.

In the winter months, they had a place in Florida where Glen worked on the greens at Boca Raton Golf and Country Club. It was there where he made his “Hole in One!"

In addition to their vacation homes, Glen and Shirley also enjoyed traveling in their motor home with his daughter Lori and her family across the United States.  Many memories were made during those years including the coining of Shirley's nickname "White Knuckles” because of his "spectacular" driving skills while he maintained he always had everything "under control."

Glen, fondly referred to as Papa Glen, doted on his great-grandchildren Ally, Nora, Ava, Alexys, Hunter, Jackson and Alex. He always loved to “soft” their ears and they all let him do it.   Many hours were spent cheering on their grandchildren and great-grandchildren at sporting events and other activities.

Glen is survived by his wife of 73 years, Shirley Seelbinder; His daughters Cindy (Rick) Lisewski of Royal Oak, Michigan, Lori (Tom) Ruth, of Kalamazoo, MI, and Kathie Seelbinder; His grandchildren Kristen (Steve) White of Mattawan, MI, Bradley (Kari) Ruth of Wilmette, IL, Timothy Lisewski of Dearborn, MI, Jillian (Joe) Pettinato of Troy, MI, Nicole Gavin, and Blake Gavin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Roy Seelbinder, and his grandson David Andrew Ruth.  A memorial Mass will be held on Friday, January 27, 2023, at 11:00 AM, at St. John Bosco Parish, 23830 Front Avenue, Mattawan, MI 49071, with Rev. Fr. Alan P. Jorgensen, presiding.

The family would like to thank the staff of Woodside at Friendship Village for their kind and professional care during his stay there.

His cheerful attitude and bright smile will be missed by many.

Donations in memory of Glenford may be made to Centrica Care Navigators Hospice or Friendship Village Employee Appreciation Fund. Please visit Glen’s personalized online guestbook at www.langelands.com