Jean Seidel

Jean “Penny” Louise Seidel lived a life defined by generosity, laughter, and a deep love for her family.

Penny passed away peacefully on March 5th, 2026, at the age of 82, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Penny was born on January 22, 1944, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Gordon and Lorraine (Cullen) Dunavold. She attended St. Mary’s, where she was baptized and confirmed. As a child, Penny spent cherished time with her grandparents, Ole and Jennie Dunavold, on their farm in Gheen Minnesota —memories she spoke of fondly throughout her life.

Penny met her spouse, Eugene, in Minneapolis. Together they began their life as a family, living in California and Montana before eventually making their home in Clitherall, Minnesota, where they spent many wonderful years. Penny and Eugene shared 46 years of marriage and raised their children together prior to his passing on March 14, 2008.

Penny devoted her life to her family and friends, always placing them at the center of her world. She was a gracious and welcoming hostess and was like a second Mom too many.

Penny enjoyed traveling, road trips on the semi with Gene, fishing, crafts, playing bingo, and making trips to the casino. Anyone who knew Penny also knew she almost always had a Diet Coke close by. She will be remembered for her warmth, her sense of humor, and the genuine love she shared with everyone around her.

Penny is survived by her siblings, Judy Stave and Kathy (Curt) Berg; her aunts, Jeanie (Merlin) Johnson and Sherri (Dick) Fradet; her sister-in-law JoEllen Seidel, her children, Mike (Karen) Dahlen, Chris (Paul) Davidson, Cindy (Tesfaye) Shikur, Rick Seidel, Tom Seidel, Joe Seidel, and Jenny Seidel; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and her beloved dog, Scruffy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lorraine and Gordon Dunavold; her siblings, Janet Foster and Tom Dunavold; her spouse, Eugene; and her grandson, Joshua Dahlen.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the compassionate team at Vivie Hospice, especially Stacy Crouse, for the care, kindness, and support shown to Penny and her family.

A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, March 27, from 1-3 P.M, with a 2 PM Celebration of Life at the Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Battle Lake.