Tom Seeman

Tom Seeman, age 88, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026.

Born on February 14, 1938, in Winona, Minnesota, Tom grew up on a dairy farm in Lewiston, Minnesota. His family moved to Crystal Lake, Illinois, in 1954, where he attended Crystal Lake High School. Tom earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Education from Northern Illinois University. He later received a Master of Combined Science degree from the University of Mississippi.

Tom dedicated 33 years to education, spending most of his teaching career in Crystal Lake. In addition to teaching science, he served as both a football and wrestling coach, impacting the lives of countless students and athletes.

Sports were a lifelong passion. During high school and college, Tom excelled in football and wrestling. He placed third nationally in the NAIA Wrestling Tournament and was later inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma, as well as the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association Hall of Fame.

While attending Northern Illinois University, Tom met the love of his life, Carol Benson. Together they shared a strong and loving marriage for 65 years. Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; his children, Kelly Seeman, Jody (Barry) Benczkowski, Tracy (Joel) Johnson, and Brett (Crystal) Seeman; and his nine beloved grandchildren, Caroline, Sarah, and Amanda Benczkowski; Brandon, Ryan, Emma, and Reese Johnson; and Avery and Delaney Seeman. He is also survived by his brother, Dan (Diane) Seeman, and sister-in-law, Karen Seeman.

Tom was preceded in death by his infant son, Michael; his parents, Walter and Ruth Seeman; his sister, Gayle Day; his brother-in-law, Richard Day; and his brother, Clark Seeman.

Family was the center of Tom’s life. He found great joy in spending time with loved ones, watching sports, being active in his church, volunteering at the local food pantry, and traveling. During a long and happy retirement, Tom and Carol visited all 50 states, more than 60 countries, and all seven continents.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 17, at 11:00 a.m. at First Congregational Church in Crystal Lake.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.