"I remember Del from working with him many times during my 25 years with the Phoenix Planning Department. Del spent a lot of time working with us planners. We liked him, respected him and had some fun to boot. My wife, Lillian, spent some time with the Planning Department too. She remembers Del fondly."
In loving memory of
Delbert Glenn Seppanen
May 4, 1927 - July 30, 2020
Born in Rock, Michigan to Paul and Lempi Seppanen. After graduation from Rock High School he enlisted as a Seaman 1st class in the U.S. Navy. After the Navy he found his way to Chicago. While working in a bank, he met the love of his life Mary (Orchard) Seppanen, they married September 7, 1951. They were married 56 years until her death in 2007. Together they moved to East Lansing so Del could pursue his degree in landscape architecture at Michigan State. They moved to Columbus, OH, back to Chicago and finally to Phoenix (1959) where he landed his dream job as principal landscape architect for the city. His biggest accomplishment in his career was "saving the Phoenix mountains," said Seppanen. Upon retirement he and Mary were able to follow his passion of traveling. Together their travels spanned the globe. He is survived by his children; Glenn Seppanen (wife Terri), Keith Seppanen (wife Kathleen), Karen Owens (husband Tony) and two grandchildren Charles Seppanen and Maggie Owens. Del will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery.
Tributes
"I was very blessed to have Del as an Uncle. It was always an adventure when Uncle Del and Aunt Mary would come back to visit us in the summer. As an adult I was treated as a special family guest when I visited them in Phoenix. I know my Dad, John Orchard, had a special bond with his brother -in -law, Del. The stories those two could tell when they were together. I will miss him. "
"Goodbye dear friend, until we meet again. Hello to Mary. "
"RIP neighbor and family friend. Del inspired me as a high schooler by the way he had moved on from our farm life to pursue the American Dream thru the military, college and a successful career. God bless the Seppanens. "
"Delbert was a remarkable man. I\'ve always envied the places he traveled and that beautiful backyard. My thoughts are with you, Karen, your brothers, and all of your families. "