It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Donald "Donnie" Seipel of Olin, NC — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
What we offer here is gratitude wrapped in remembrance.
A parent's life is measured, in part, by the lives he shaped.
Donald (Donnie) Dorian Seipel, 75, of Olin, formerly of Charlotte, went home to be with the Lord on May 4, 2026. He is was predeceased by his parents Clarence and Blanche Seipel, his brothers Gerald (Jerry), Clarence Jr. (Fuzzy), and Allen (Doc) Seipel.
Left to cherish so many fond memories are his wife Carolyn of the home in Olin, NC; children Jeff, wife Gramintz and children Covenant, Grace, Ezekiel and Isaiah of Olin, NC and his daughter Jennifer Poe, husband Kevin and son Roy of Siler City, NC and his stepsons Colby Setzer, wife Johnna and children Saige and Sway , Stuart Setzer, wife Brianna and children Lincoln, Winston, Silas and Jeremiah.
Donnie was a very talented man with diverse interests.
Music was a passion and Donnie was a very talented drummer. He played with 2 local bands, The Bar Tocs and the Novas 9. Whether on stage or driving, his hands were always tapping out a beat. He dreamed of playing with Elvis' backup band but did win a Battle of the Bands in Charlotte, NC which led him to playing as backup to Paul Revere and the Raiders at the Charlotte Coliseum in late 60's.
At the age of 14, Donnie began a very successful grading company, Seipel Grading and Landscaping. As with all of his interests, it was a family affair with his children learning the trade and working side by side with him. It would be impossible to count the number of shrubs planted across Mecklenburg County and Iredell County by his family.
Donnie was a people person and had a passion for helping children. He donated countless hours to multiple rodeo associations over the years. He was a fabulous rodeo announcer and every child he announced, regardless of their, were made to feel like champions. He made them feel like every ride was for the world championship. Even in the recent years, he opened up his personal arena and supplied cattle to any young person wanting to learn breakaway roping.
That vibrant, fun-loving personality carried over into his auction career which began before auctioneers were licensed to sell under the guidance of Mr. Chic Godley in Charlotte, NC. He became licensed in 1982 and opened Seipel Auction Company. His expertise from grading all those years made him the best around at selling heavy equipment. Whether a standard auction or a fundraiser auction, he was great at convincing a buyer they just had to have the item he was selling! He was inducted into the Auctioneers Association of North Carolina in 2025, which spoke perfectly to his talent and dedication to the industry.
Donnie's life will be celebrated on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at South River Church, 2880 South River Church Rd, Woodleaf, NC with visitation at 10 AM, service at 11 AM. Graveside will follow at 2 PM at Trinity UMC, 6230 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to South River Church (Memo line: Trail Life Troop NC-1834), or Hospice of Iredell.
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.
