Margaret J. Seitz, 94 of Sidney, MT passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the Sidney Health Center, Sidney, MT with her family at her side.

Margaret (Stanich) Seitz was born January 10, 1932, to Mary and Phil Stanich in Butte, MT. She was proud of her Croatian heritage and the sacrifices her immigrant parents made for her brother Donald and herself. She spent her formative years in Butte, graduating from Butte High School in the Spring of 1949. Armed with a Merit Scholarship she then enrolled in the University of Montana. During her college summers, Margaret worked for trial lawyers, gaining a great deal of insight into the legal profession, graduating with a double major in Spanish and Political Science – International Relations from the University in the Spring of 1953. She had envisioned a career in the diplomatic corps and pursued her teaching credentials “just in case” an international position was not available. A little-known fact is that Margaret passed the Serbo-Croatian language qualifications to pursue a career with the CIA, but not yet 21, parental consent was required, and her father would not provide consent. Her curiosity for investigative stories on TV was a joy she shared with her grandchildren, who now carry on her tradition of curiosity and intuition.

In the fall of 1953, Margaret left Western Montana for the Eastern plains of Sidney to take a high school teaching role, believing this was a short-term assignment, until she could once again pursue the CIA. As fate would have it, the beginning of her second year she met Bill Seitz, a recently discharged Air Force lieutenant (and U of M alumni) and on July 30, 1955, they were married in Butte.

Margaret continued teaching until her growing family became the focus of her attention, yet throughout her life she maintained a deep affection for her former students, including her future brother-in-law, Jim Seitz. In 1961, Seitz Insurance Agency (FKA Carpenter-Seitz Agency) was established, and in 1964, their last child was born making them a family of 7. Margaret supported Bill in the insurance business, while raising their 5 children and volunteering for several state & community organizations.

Bill and Margaret had been married for 41 years. Bill passed away December 31, 1996, after a long and courageous battle with End Stage Renal Disease. We all thought how poignant it was that Bill passed away on New Year’s Eve since he always loved a celebration of any kind. There was a void after Bill’s death but Margaret “carried on” with her volunteer work and beloved flower garden & lilac hedges.

She was proud of the legacy Bill built with Seitz Insurance and deeply appreciated the dedication, care, and commitment of John, David, DeAnne, Donna, and the entire Seitz Insurance “family,” whose efforts have meant so much to the agency.

Bill & Margaret graduated from the University of MT in 1952 & 1953 respectively. Margaret loved the Montana Grizzlies and was proud that she and Bill lead 4 future generations of “Griz”. She had the distinct honor of participating in the 2014 U of M graduation ceremony; donning a special cap and gown as a distinguished alumnus sharing in a special moment with her granddaughter who was graduating from UM that year.

With her lifelong commitment to service, she served as Chairman of the Sidney School board and handed out diplomas to 4 of her 5 children throughout the years. She served on the Regional Council for Developmental Disabilities, District #2 Drug and Alcohol Program, Catholic Daughters, Hospital Gift Shop, Cursillo and many other civic, & community and church activities.

In the Summer, the Seitz backyard pool was a gathering place which brought her great joy, watching family and friends, “little” and “big” kids alike enjoying the pool and freezer full of popsicles and ice cream bars.

Margaret knew the importance of touching people’s lives with her impeccable words of wisdom and love through a simple, yet eloquently personalized Hallmark card. Her poetic words of encouragement were shared with many people in the community, but especially her family. There was not a holiday or special occasion that went unrecognized by her to express her genuine words of affirmation and love to each and every one of her 22 children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren.

Margaret passed away on March 13,2026 surrounded by her family and the compassionate care of her SHC Nurses. She was lovingly cared for during her final days by her granddaughters, whose nursing skills and devotion brought great comfort and reassurance. A special thank you to Dorothy Johnson, her devoted nurse from Sidney Extended Care. Dorothy’s compassion, patience, and care meant so much to Margaret and her family. Now reunited in heaven with “Papa Billy”, her father, mother, and brother, Margaret’s life is remembered as one rooted in faith, love and service.

Margaret leaves behind a loving family, including her five children: Danette Stephens of Parker, CO; DeAnne (Gary) Rauschendorfer of Sidney, MT; John (Tanya) Seitz of Sidney, MT; Donna (Trent) Wilson of Townsend, MT and David (Jodi) Seitz of Sidney, MT. Her life will be honored and treasured by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Danielle Seitz, Matt Rauschendorfer, Ashley Seitz, Lindsey Decker, Michael Rauschendorfer, Amanda Robinson, Hope Barker, Erica Stephens, Nikki Wilson, Cristian Seitz, Lilli Seitz, Landon Schumaker, Logan Schumaker, Winnie Rauschendorfer, McKenna Decker, Madison Decker, Livvy Gabrian and soon to be “baby” Robinson. She is also survived by her special California Seitz family, who shared a close and meaningful relationship with “Aunt Margaret”.

There was only one love greater than the love of her family, and that was her Catholic faith. Margaret and Bill put God at the center of their life, giving them the foundation to get through the difficult times and celebrate the special blessings in life. Her unwavering faith, dedication to teaching, love for her family, and joy in sharing her passions leave a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Thank You