Milton D. Seiser

Milton “Milt” D. Seiser passed away peacefully at MorningStar in West Des Moines, Iowa. It was Milton’s wish to be cremated and his ashes interred at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in a private family ceremony.

Milton was born to Edmund Melishor Seiser and Gladys Edna Raber on February 18, 1927, on the family farm in Webster City, Iowa. His second mother was Kate Ubben (later Kate Seiser), who raised him after Gladys’ death just a week after his birth. His experiences growing up on a farm during The Depression shaped the work ethic that endured his entire life.

Milton began his education in a country schoolhouse, but moved to town school after 8th grade. Graduating from Webster City High School at the age of 17, Milton enlisted to serve in World War II in the Army Infantry. An exploding artillery shell ended his military service. After his military discharge, Milt used his GI benefits loan to complete four years of undergraduate study at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, earning a bachelor’s degree in Economics. Milton earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Iowa College of Law, graduating Summa Cum Laude and Order of the Coif Honor Society.

Moving back to Ames, Milton joined the Smedal/Maurer Law Firm. He practiced with the firm Pasley/Singer in Ames, Iowa for many years, until 1975. Milt was regarded as one of the most hard-working, highly respected attorneys of his time. In December, 1975, Milton was appointed District Judge by Iowa Governor Robert D. Ray. He served as district judge in district 2-B. Milton served many years with distinction as a judge of the Iowa District Court until his retirement as a Senior Judge in 1997.

In 1997, Milt married Evelyn Johnston. In his retirement, Milton and Evelyn enjoyed extensive travel across the world. Mr. Seiser belonged to Golden K-Kiwanis, serving children of Des Moines and attended Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, Milton is survived by his wife, Evelyn Johnston; his sister, Phyllis Messa; daughters, Anne Abbo, Becky (Rob) Wilson, Meredith (Kevin Hanway) Seiser and Elizabeth Seiser; two stepsons, Mike (Debbie) Johnston and Mark (Deb) Johnston; 8 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Harold, Virgil and Marcus Seiser; and grandsons, Jeremy Abbo, Patrick Taylor and Christopher Taylor.

Donations to Iowa PBS, 6450 Corporate Drive, P.O. Box 6450, Johnston, IA 50131 or Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266. Condolences at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Print