Violet Mae Seiwert aka ‘Muzz’ passed away at 7:15 a.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, more than 100 years after her birth April 14, 1925, to Ella and Erich Herzfeld of Weyauwega, Wisconsin.
The only sister among 4 brothers: Val, Russ, Rellis & Lou, (all dec), Vi went to Business School as a 1943 WHS grad. On July 1, 1951, Violet moved out-of-state to Rochester, IN and worked various places before a secretarial job at the FHA (Farmers Home Administration), where she met Lawrence Seiwert (dec) and they wed August 21, 1971, at St. John Lutheran Church.
Beloved mother of 6, devoted grandmother of 4 and one great grandson, Violet was the family matriarch in its truest sense. As often occurs, her maternal love and strength held the family together. Her unconditional love for family knew few boundaries, reflecting her spirituality and faith in Christ. Muzz’s compassion and heart of gold extended to many outside the family; she was blessed with abundant friendships and treasured time spent with each one. Another great passion of Violet’s was her love of nature.
As a master gardener, her daily routine included tending her flowers, feeding the birds and nurturing neighborhood wildlife.
Violet also had a deep appreciation for volunteering and “paying it forward”. She contributed to countless charities in her community and afar. Among her favorites were the scholarship fund she established with her husband, Lawrence, and the local community foundation, St. John Lutheran Church, Kiwanis International, Riley Hospital for Children and any nature-related cause.
Memberships included: Kiwanis, Moose Family Center, Elks Club, Garden Club–treas, Rebekah Lodge, Friends of the Library–life member, Fulton County Historical Society–charter & life member and Purdue Alumni Association–life member. Vi volunteered 33 years at Woodlawn Hospital and 19 years as Kiwanis secretary/treasurer—both records of local service. As was adding the Lt Gov role one year while still local Kiwanis sec/treas, in conjunction with conquering colon cancer! She was a Cub Scout Den Mother for 10 years.
Vi served as president for: Riddle Elem PTA, Rochester Women’s Club, Welcome Wagon, Woodlawn Hospital Auxiliary, RSVP Board and Master Gardeners. She was sec/treas of the Rochester Garden Club 30 years(!) and the Round Barn Festival 6 years. Violet was Salvation Army director for 12 years and sold tickets at Kiwanis dinners until age 95! She used her melodic voice thru her 90s too, as unofficial alto song leader at Kiwanis, singing memorized hymns at church and leaving birthday-song voicemails for family/friends.
Vi shared her love of travel and dance with husband, Larry (aka Fuzz) and others. Muzz and Fuzz were active Volksmarchers. Violet herself spent at least a week in all 50 U. S. states, visited 12 other countries and took sundry island cruises. Their refrigerator was covered with magnets from toured places–his (& her) souvenirs. Her BIG collection though was 2000+ kangaroos throughout her home. On a Purdue cruise to Ireland, Wales, and Liverpool with a PU alum-daughter, Vi kissed the Blarney Stone at an inspiring age of 92!
Beloveds left to cherish Muzz’s memory and carry on her legacy include her successful children: daughter, Janet Bell (David), Fort Wayne; daughter, Cynthia Zahn (Martin), Indianapolis; son, Richard Seiwert, Tucson, AZ; daughter, Sandra Seiwert, Muncie; son, Andrew Seiwert (Sherry), Indianapolis; grandchildren: Adam Zahn/Josh Julian, Hilo, HI; Natalie Bell/Doug Snell, Fort Wayne; Tracy Zahn/William Harrison, Indianapolis; Katherine Seiwert, Indianapolis; and great-grandson: Deiter Snell, Fort Wayne.
Family and friends are warmly invited to Violet’s gathering 12-1 PM prior to the 1 PM memorial service officiated by Pastor Curtis A May at St John Lutheran Church, 4th and Jefferson Streets, Rochester and arranged by Good Family Funeral Home. After the service all are asked to proceed to the churchyard Columbarium internment ceremony of Violet’s cremains next to those of her departed son, Thomas Seiwert; husband, Lawrence Seiwert; and brother, Louis Herzfeld, DDS. Following this a light lunch will be provided by the Ladies of St John Church. Despite her love of flowers Muzz asked instead that donations be made to St John Church or the Lawrence & Violet Seiwert Scholarship Fund at the Northern Indiana Community Foundation, 227 E 9th St, Rochester IN 46975. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.goodfamilyfh.com.
