Walter "Walt" Seibel, Jr.

Walter Seibel, Jr., 81, passed away November 14, 2024 after a long and courageous battle with dementia. Born in San Jose, CA on April 5, 1943 to Walter D. and Fern Seibel, he was the third of five children, having two older brothers, and two younger sisters. He then moved with his family to Deer Park, WA and eventually landed in Idaho at age six. He attended elementary school in Nampa, but moved to Caldwell for junior high and high school, graduating from Caldwell High School in 1961. There, he played basketball until he discovered his love of rodeo.

Walt rode bareback horses in the Idaho Cowboy’s Association until he decided to hang up his rigging and become a judge. Rodeo was a huge part of his life, so it was no surprise he found the love of his life there. Walt met Sandra Sturdivan in May of 1967 at the Middleton buckouts and they were married December 1st of that year. Together they spent several years rodeoing, camping, hunting, and fishing and when Cody and Cara came along in 1971 and 1975, they continued their outdoor adventures.

Walt was incredibly honorable and had an outstanding work ethic. He had jobs in the timber industry for years. He worked at Meridian Pine, but moved to Horseshoe Bend in 1975 where he worked as a saw filer for Boise Cascade until the mill closed in 1998. He then worked for Dasco of Idaho and later Plantation Golf Course before he fully retired.

Walt loved his children dearly. Some of his favorite times were going to Cody’s football games where he would put on miles following the ball up and down the field. They also hunted and fished together. He also looked forward to visiting Cara at college where he would entertain her friends for hours with his stories. In truth, Walt had more than just two kids. He treated all of Cody’s and Cara’s friends as his own. He loved them all and they loved him.

In 2017, Walt and Sandi celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary surrounded by family and friends. They were a couple to be admired and were excellent role models for their children. Sadly, not long after, Walt was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. He still had some good years and fought hard until the end. Walt passed away with his beautiful wife of almost 57 years by his side.

Walt is survived by his loving wife, Sandi Seibel; children Cody (Melissa) Seibel and Cara (Travis) Anderson; grandchildren Brianna (Tony) Lopez, Kaci (Houston) Seibel Bright, Trevor and Luke Anderson; great grandchildren Brynlee, Kyson, Liliana, and sister Diane Hite.

He was preceded in death by his parents Walter D. and Fern Seibel, in-laws Ray and Vivien Sturdivan, brothers Jim and Larry Seibel, sister Barbara Martell, sisters-in-law Marion Seibel and Kris Sturdivan, and brother-in-law Chuck Hite.

The family would like to thank Bluebird Hospice and Foxtail Senior Living for their wonderful care and support. Services will be held at Summers Funeral Home, 3629 E. Ustick Rd, Merdian, ID 83646 on November 22nd at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Kohlerlawn Cemetery in Nampa at a later date.