Gisela M. Seward

Gisela passed away peacefully, Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. She was born December 11, 1929, in Hannover, Germany, the daughter of Wilhelm and Elli (Schlueter) Nitschke. Orphaned as a child and separated from her sister, Helga, Gisela was placed in an orphanage in Berlin. She was raised by a loving foster family in Berlin. She graduated from Berlin Upper School and moved to the United States in 1959. 

Gisela began working at Alamo Nursing Home where she learned English and became acclimated to her new life in Michigan. Over the years she also worked at Harding’s Market in Otsego and the sewing department at Walmart. After her retirement she enjoyed spending time in Arizona. Gisela enjoyed taking care of her home and loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who lovingly called her Oma. Gisela’s love language was cooking. Skilled in the kitchen, she loved sharing recipes with her family. There was never a shortage of food, and no one ever left hungry or empty handed. 

On December 16, 1966, she married Duane Seward and they spent 48 years together, until his passing in 2015. Surviving are her daughter, Sabina (Richard) Boston of Paw Paw; 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Petra in 2008 and an infant son, Bernd. 

According to her wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at Noon, Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Baraga Manor Apartments, 301 Washington St., Otsego, with a luncheon to follow. Contributions in memory of Gisela may be directed to Rose Arbor Hospice. Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.