White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

INDEPENDENCE – Joseph F. Seilenbinder, 72 years old, of Independence, IA, died Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at his home following a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Military Memorial Services will be 11:00 a.m. - Thursday, February 15, 2024, at White Funeral Home, Independence. Burial will be at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI.

Joseph was born May 30, 1951, in Milwaukee, WI, and attended high school at Stoughton High School, in Stoughton, WI.

In July of 1969 Joe enlisted in the United States Army and served his country during the Vietnam War. On March 24, 1973, he married the former Karen Long in Milwaukee.

The family story is that Joe was the next door neighbor to Karen. One night after work she had been out on the town and Joe found her, literally, crawling back to her house. Her determination to reach her front door made Joe intrigued about his next door neighbor.  They both spent many years in the military, being stationed in Virginia and Washington state, among others. When they both retired, they moved to Wisconsin and were truck drivers together for many years, making many friends who are family in the area. Later, they moved to Independence, IA, to be closer to other members of the family. Joe and Karen were inseparable throughout their marriage. The longest they have been separated was since her death in 2018.

Joe was a member of the Sheehan-Tidball American Legion Post 30. He enjoyed his time with the Legion, making friends and sharing time with those in the Legion.

Joe did not have any natural children, however, he is survived by his “step” children and their spouses, Michael Hingtgen, Teresa Hammock, Gary Hahn, David Hahn and Daniel Hahn. He is also survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his much missed wife, Karen (Long) Seilenbinder; and one “step” daughter, Dawn Hingtgen.

Memorials may be directed to the American Legion Post #30 or to the INDEPENDENCE AMERICAN FLAG FUND, which is established at BankIowa and helps support the town's effort to fund the proper replacement of the large American flag, located at Triangle Park in Independence, when it is worn.

Online condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHope.com
White Funeral Home, Independence, Iowa, was in charge of the arrangements.