Wilder William Seeburger

With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Wilder William Seeburger, age 17, on August 16, 2026. Wilder was born on July 12, 2009, in Traverse City, Michigan. Though his life was far too brief, Wilder filled his years with energy, kindness, laughter, and an unmistakable love for life. His vibrant spirit and loving presence touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Wilder was preparing to enter his junior year at TC Central High School. He was an intelligent student and a natural athlete who enjoyed a wide circle of friends. Wilder also worked as a host at Chili’s, where his cheerful personality and kindness made an impression on his coworkers and patrons alike.

Soccer was one of Wilder’s great passions. He began playing at just three years old and continued throughout his life, playing on TBAYS’ travel team, North Storm, and spending a year playing for the TC Central High School soccer team. He loved the sport not only for the competition, but for the friendships, camaraderie, and fun that came with it.

Wilder’s interests extended well beyond athletics. He was an avid gamer, and had a fascination with hypercars—perhaps stemming from his early love of Hot Wheels. He loved spending time with friends at the beach, playing games and enjoying bonfires. He also had a tender touch with animals, especially cats. Among his friends and family, he was known as something of a cat whisperer and loved to cradle them in his arms.

Those who knew Wilder will remember him most for the kind of person he was. He was spunky, fun-loving, thoughtful, and full of life. He was almost always smiling, and had a knack for making people laugh. He had a gentle, sensitive soul that was evident in the way he treated others. Wilder was never afraid to express how much he cared about the people in his life. He openly shared his love with friends and family. Simple words reflected something about Wilder: he wanted the people around him to know that they mattered.

Wilder’s greatest love was for his family. He is survived by his parents, mother Felicia Topp, and father Fredrik Seeburger. He is also survived by his grandparents, Maria Mejia Topp and Walter (Kathy) Topp on his mother’s side, and Roberta Seeburger on his father’s side. He will also be lovingly remembered by his aunts and uncles, Walter Topp III, Marisa Topp-Behrmann (Jim), and Jamie (Jerry) Eisner, as well as his cousins, Adrian Behrmann, Calla Behrmann, Paloma Behrmann, Isabel Garcia, Dexter Yass, and Jayce Gemuend. Wilder was preceded in death by his grandfather, Dexter James Seeburger, and aunt, Elizabeth Seeburger Garcia.

Wilder’s family and friends invite all who knew and loved him to join them in remembering his life.

A memorial gathering hosted by Wilder’s friends will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Open Space Park. All are welcome to attend and share memories of Wilder.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, Michigan.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Traverse City, with visitation beginning at the church one hour prior to the service. Following the funeral, family and friends are invited to a luncheon at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Wilder’s life was tragically cut short, but the love, laughter, friendship, and joy he gave to others will not be forgotten. His legacy lives on in the countless memories shared by those who knew him—in the laughter of his friends, the love of his family, the friendships he made through school and sports, and the simple moments in which he reminded people that he loved them.

Due to technical issues, a link for donations is not available. If you would like to donate toward funeral expenses, please call Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home at (231)-947-6347, and we will be able to take a donation over the phone. Donations will be accepted between 9:00am and 5:00pm, Monday through Friday.