Heidi K. Seelhoff

Heidi K. Seelhoff passed away peacefully in her home on October 4, 2025. Born in Weiherhammer, Germany, to Adolf and Margareta (Rothascher) Gebhard, she grew up in Amberg, Germany during WWII, moved to Switzerland after the war where she worked as an au pair and physician assistant. Heidi had to often ski or hike to see her patients in the Alps, which developed a life-long love for skiing and the mountains. She came to the United States on the USS America in 1954. She settled in Chicago, IL and began work as a medical technologist. Heidi met her husband, Guenther Seelhoff, and they married in Chicago in 1955. They lived in the Chicago area to raise their children, and she continued to work in the medical field. She remained an avid skier and joined the National Ski Patrol. Heidi became a naturalized citizen in 1976.

In 1987, Heidi and Guenther moved to Montrose, CO and designed, built, and operated the Spring Creek Chalet Retirement Residence. Heidi took great pride in providing compassionate, loving, and personal care to the residents. In 1999, they built Heidi’s Chateau Assisted Living, named in honor of her dedication to the senior community of Montrose. She continued to successfully run the Spring Creek Chalet after Guenther’s death, until she sold the business in 2023.

Heidi’s love and devotion to her family was not only her first passion in life, it was infinite. She was an avid gardener and could be often seen working in the gardens at the Chalet, alongside her son, Reiner. Every year she loved foraging for wild mushrooms in the mountains, a skill she learned from her father. Heidi also continued her skiing in the mountains of Colorado. She loved to travel and went back home to Germany often. She also travelled extensively in the United States and Europe.

Heidi was passionate about music and was an accomplished zither player. She learned to play the harp in her 80’s. She joined in many concerts and competitions with her musical achievements. She loved to host gatherings and was well known for her hospitality. Heidi was a member of St. Mary’s Church and a devout Catholic.

Heidi is survived by her sister Christiane Hawkins of Montrose, as well as her five children:

Edith Seelhoff of Montrose, Eric (Martha) Seelhoff of Loveland, CO, Sieglind (Dieter) Preuschl of Montrose, Reiner (Natasha) Seelhoff of Montrose, and Birgitt (Christopher) Schmalz of Montrose. Her gentle heart and loving spirit live on in her grandchildren: Michelle Stair, Jessica Seelhoff, Amanda Boots, Joe Seelhoff, Ryan Seelhoff, Markus Seelhoff, Anneliese Schmalz, Andreas Schmalz, Tristan Schmalz, and Maximillian Preuschl, as well as 11 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband Guenther, her brothers Siegfried and Rainer, and her sisters Hedi and Hanni.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place. A vigil will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Crippin Chapel. The funeral mass will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Montrose on October 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., followed by Interment at Grandview Cemetery, Montrose. A celebration of life will continue at St. Mary’s beginning at 1:00 p.m. with “Kaffe and Kuchen” provided.

In lieu of flowers, the families request donations be made to Hope West Hospice, 725 S. 5th St., Montrose, CO 81401.