Russell William Seppi

Russell William Seppi passed away on June 25th, 2014 after battling multiple health issues over the past several months. Russell was born to Andrew and Impi (Salo) Seppi on December 5th 1935 in Concordia Michigan. He learned the meaning of work growing up on his parent’s dairy farm. This is also where he learned to love the outdoors, hunting and fishing. Upon graduating from L’anse High School, he spent a summer working for the Forest Service in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and was enlisted in the Naval Reserves. He graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1958 with a degree in Education.That same year he married the love of his life, Shirley (Hampton) Seppi. Shortly after, the adventurous couple both landed teaching jobs in Homer Alaska. In the early 1960’s the couple left Alaska long enough for Russell to earn his Master’s Degree from the University of Wyoming. They moved back to Alaska, purchased a house in Anchorage and began teaching in the Anchorage School District, where Russell spent most of his 25 year career teaching history at West Anchorage High School, retiring in 1983. He also taught some classes at Anchorage Community College. Russell remained in Alaska until 2011 when he moved to Washington to be closer to his children and their families. Russell was a fabulous example to his children and grandchildren. He made many friends in Alaska and was very fond of all of them. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Impi, 3 sisters, Florence, Gertrude and Elsie, his wife Shirley Seppi and his son Royd Seppi. He is survived by his son Andrew(Katie) Seppi, His daughter-in-law Celena Nelson-Seppi, his grandchildren Mike(Rachael) O’Donnell, Sean(Laura) O’Donnell, Chassi, Arielle, Hampton and Chloe Seppi, His great grandson Troy O’Donnell, his nephews Richard(Marilyn) and Raymond(Tina) Virta and his niece Sandy Virta-Beals(Burt) along with other extended family members. Per Russell’s wishes, his ashes will be spread at his cabin on Shirley Lake in Willow, AK and in Kachemak Bay near Homer, AK. A memorial will be held at a later date to be determined. Our family would like to thank the staff at A Better Place adult family home and Franciscan Hospice for the care that they provided Russell as his health declined. In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to any cancer research fund of your choice, the American Heart Association, or the American Diabetes Association.