William Roselius
Roselius William “Bill” Robert Roselius, Seminole resident, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2024 in Seminole, at the age of 87. Bill was born on February 25, 1937 to Oliver Lawrence and Alma Leta (Sleeker) Roselius at home in a small wooden house built by his father and grandfather in Etowah, Oklahoma. He was a graduate of Dewey High School and Oklahoma State University. He began his career in computer sales at IBM, frequently earning top salesman of the year. He eventually struck out on his own and started Roselius Computer Corporation which provided the first networking computers for Oklahoma City Public Schools. Bill began a second career helping organizations realize their vision. Combining his widely recognized people and management skills, he led strategic projects for the OK Dept of Transportation, US Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C., and Chickasaw Nation Industries.
Bill and Patricia “Patti” Gayle Hickman were married on April 12, 1975 at Central Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City. They had met when he hired Cai, Patti’s eldest daughter, as a companion for his two girls, Becky and Catherine. Bill enjoyed lifelong interests in boating, birdwatching, gardening, photography, wood working, collecting art, reading, and traveling. In retirement, he and Patti lived in Eureka Springs, AR. With their new community of dear friends, they enjoyed camping, kayaking, fly fishing and a shared passion for Tibetan Buddhism.
In 2013, after seven wonderful years in Eureka Springs, Bill and Patti moved to Seminole to be closer to family. Before long, Bill became an integral part of Seminole’s downtown community when he took the position of Executive Director of Seminole Main Street, a job which he was passionate about.
Bill was well known for his sense of humor, kindness, generosity, and gentleness, in personal relations as well as business. His twinkling blue eyes, beautiful hair, and welcoming smile left an impression wherever he went. He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Patti Roselius; four daughters: Cai (Paul) Levy, Becky Haney, Catherine (David) Rodman, and Lisa Matlock. He also leaves behind eight cherished grandchildren: Lauran (Mitch) Butler; Jamey Levy; Micco Haney; Spencer and Will Rodman; Jake and Patrick Matlock; and Jaycee (Josiah) Matlock-Binkley. Bill was thrilled to have three great-granddaughters: Addison and Elizabeth Butler, and Paisley Matlock. He is also survived by his brother Michael (Jean) Roselius and sister-in-law Linda Roselius.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, Oliver; mother, Alma; and brother, Ted Roselius.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma.