Dennis L. Seiler

Colonel Dennis L. Seiler, US Army Retired, 78, passed away peacefully with his wife at his side on December 5, 2020, due to complications of Parkinson’s Disease and Covid -19.
Born March 28, 1942 in Harrisburg, he was the son of the late Marie and Allen Seiler of Enola. Dennis is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Lesley S. Seiler, daughter Lisa (Kevin) Lovejoy of Tacoma, WA; grandchildren Sarah, New York City; Joseph, San Diego, CA; Hannah, Pensacola, FL; and Daniel, San Diego, CA; brother Gerald (Sue) Seiler of Mechanicsburg; sister-in-law Barbara Seiler in Lemoyne; and best friends Butch Kramer of Camp Hill; and Karl Robinson in Carlisle.
In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Julie Anne Seiler and his brother Michael Seiler.
Dennis graduated from East Pennsboro High School, class of 1960, where he excelled as a scholar and an athlete, serving as co-captain of the 1959 championship football team. He was a three-sport varsity athlete and was offered numerous scholarships to prestigious colleges and universities.
After graduation, Dennis entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he played football and rugby. Graduating in 1964, he was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the field artillery. He and Lesley married weeks later at the Cadet Chapel at West Point. So began their dedicated teamwork to three decades of Army life.
Upon the completion of Ranger school at Ft. Benning, GA, Dennis headed for his first duty assignment with the 2/37th Artillery in Bad Kissingen, Germany. This was followed by the Army Training Center at Fort Lewis, WA.
Dennis then served with the 1/27th Field Artillery in Viet Nam ’67-’68, earning a Purple Heart, two Bronze stars, one with a “V” for valor, an Army Commendation Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal.
He completed the Field Artillery Advanced Course at Ft. Sill, OK.
Dennis then attended graduate school at Duke University, where he graduated with an MA in European History. He then taught Military Art (History) at West Point for 3 years.
After graduating Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, KS, he served a year in Korea.
Dennis was then assigned to ODCSOPS in Heidelberg, Germany, where he earned a Legion of Merit award while chief of War Plans Branch.
He then served at the Joint Deployment Agency at MacDill AFB in Tampa, FL where he earned a Distinguished Service Medal, while concurrently earning an MBA from the University of Tampa.
Returning to Heidelberg, Dennis served as chief of Plans Division, ODCSOPS, earning another two Legion of Merit Awards.
He then graduated from the US Army War College in Carlisle, where he also taught before retiring from the Army in 1992 with 28 years of active duty service.
Returning to Heidelberg, in the position of civilian contractor, Dennis oversaw three offices as a site manager for Northrop Grumman.
To be near family and friends, Lesley and Dennis chose to settle in Carlisle, after roaming the world for 39 glorious years.
For all of his professional recognition and success, it was being a husband and father that gave Dennis his greatest joy. As a loving, totally engaged father to their daughters Lisa and Julie, Dennis would sit in the back with his girls on long trips through Europe in their VW camper, participating in whatever was fun and educational. He passed his love of learning on to his girls along with a dry, witty sense of humor. When he became a grandfather, Dennis chose the nickname “Nappy” in honor of his military hero, Napoleon. The grandkids lovingly added “happy” to his name and he will forever be revered as “Happy Nappy”!

He also quietly, but effectively, modeled the importance of service to others. His daughters passed on his legacy of service and all 4 of his grandchildren also serve our nation and the world through the military and the Peace Corps. He will be remembered for his casual brilliance, easy-going manner, and love for his family and his country.
Dennis especially enjoyed sports, particularly the Green Bay Packers, Volksmarches, golf, reading, classical music, along with fine dining, and was an accomplished self-taught cook!
In honor of Dennis’ life, the “Denny Seiler ‘Gridiron Greats’ Scholarship” has been established at East Pennsboro High School. Donations may be made to East Pennsboro Area School District and sent to Adam Oldham at 425 West Shady Lane, Enola, PA 17025. Donations in his honor may also be made to the American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s Association, or the charity of one’s choice.
A full military service and burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date, to be determined by availability.