Derald Herbert Seimet

Derald H. Seimet passed away peacefully, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, in Sylvania, on December 31st  2025. He was born on November 19th, 1947, to Elmer and Rosemary Seimet. He grew up in Bono, Ohio, and spent many cherished summers in Defiance, Ohio, with extended family, making cherished memories that stayed close to his heart throughout his life. He graduated from Clay High School in 1967 and proudly joined the US Navy shortly after. Derald served two tours in Vietnam before coming home, carrying with him a lifelong sense of duty, resilience, and pride in his service. He later continued serving his country for a combined 26 additional years, in the Navy and Army Reserves. Not long after coming home, he met and married the love of his life, Patty. He embraced fatherhood, wholeheartedly raising his children, Gerald, Veronica, and Thomas. He worked for Libby Owens Ford (LOF)/ Pilkington for 42 years. Retirement allowed him to do what he loved most – Spending long days fishing at his favorite spots, enjoying the peace os the water, and the thrill of “The big one.”  Above all else, Derald was family to all. He was the best Dad, the best Papa, and the best Big Papa anyone could have, and he will be dearly missed for his laughter, his teasing spirit, and the way he would loudly make his opinions heard, even after hearing aids. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Rosemary Seimet, His brothers Elmer Jr and Timothy Seimet, and his beloved wife Patty. Derald is survived by children, Gerald J. Pfaff, Veronica (Timothy) Bennor, and Thomas L. Seimet; and siblings Helen Short, Robert (Cindy) Seimet, and Linda (Roger)Perry. He leaves behind a large and loving family, who will forever carry his memory: Grandchildren, Sarah (Dustin) Schwan; Heather Gill (Merlin Lands); Stephanie (Andy) Pfaff; Nicholas Gill; Gerald “Joe” Pfaff Jr; Ashley Sackrey; Michaela (Daniel) Muszynski; Shawna (Gage) Shaffer; Mackenzie Seimet; Ashley Nichole Marie Watson (Malachi Wortham); Ashley Kirsten; and Olivia Gilbertson. Bonus Grandchildren Stacy Tristan Grice, Ashley Oberhaus, Jayme Large, and all of the Stockman kids. Great-Grandchildren Harper & Henry Schwan; Ariel (Big Papa’s Little Miss) Lands; Anaya, Ailani, and Azai Gill; Jessica & Amara Sackrey; and Malachi Wortham Jr.

Make sure you catch the big one, Dad, wherever you are fishing now.