News

Donald Seiler
VIP driver III
January 2025 | My journey into healthcare

Donald Seiler is a man of action who thrives on staying that way. After retiring three and a half years ago, he quickly discovered that a sedentary lifestyle wasn't for him. "I realized I needed to keep moving," he said. "Helping out on the farm and driving keeps me busy and engaged with the community."

Seiler works as an on-call driver for Columbus Community Hospital's Very Important Patient (VIP) Transportation service. He provides essential transportation for patients who are discharged and lack their own means of getting home.

His schedule is demanding, with weekday shifts from 5 p.m.-7 a.m., and extended weekend shifts from 5 p.m. Fridays through 7 a.m. Mondays. This role requires flexibility and dedication, ensuring that patients can safely and comfortably return to their homes after receiving medical care.

Family is incredibly important to Seiler. He and his wife, Carol, cherish spending time with their daughter, April, and her family, including their 6-year-old granddaughter and 8-year-old grandson. The Seilers also make frequent trips to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to visit their son, Matthew, and their 1-year-old granddaughter. "Watching my grandchildren grow is the greatest joy in my life," Seiler said.

He and his wife share a passion for travel. They own timeshares across the country and enjoy sharing these destinations with friends and family, creating lasting memories together. "We love exploring new places and introducing our loved ones to different parts of the country," said Carol.

Seiler's active lifestyle extends beyond his work and family life. He's a seasoned athlete, having competed in numerous races over the past four decades, from the mile to the marathon. A highlight of his athletic career was breaking the state record for the 800 meters in the Senior Games at the age of 50, clocking an impressive time of 2 minutes and 17 seconds. "I was thrilled to achieve that record," he said. "It showed me that age is just a number."

Seiler also enjoys gardening, and this past summer, he achieved a remarkable feat: growing a 43-pound watermelon! "It was a labor of love," he said with a smile. "But the satisfaction of growing such a massive fruit was incredible."

Seiler's roots run deep in the area. He grew up just north of Monroe, Nebraska, and graduated from Monroe High School in 1976. His early career included working for Kush Bros Construction, where he helped install center pivots. He then spent 12 years at Excel Beef (Cargill), followed by 13 years at Sapp Brothers, including six years as an assistant manager. He later transitioned to a feed delivery role at ADM Alliance Nutrition for 10 years. Finally, he worked at Matheson Linweld.

Seiler has lived a good life - one filled with adventure, family and a commitment to staying active and engaged with the world around him.

"I'm grateful for my family, my friends and the opportunities I've had to experience so many amazing things," he said.

To learn more about Columbus Community Hospital or available careers currently open within the hospital, visit columbushosp.org.