Chad Robert Seeholzer, 35, of Ashland passed away peacefully due to complications from sepsis on June 4, 2026 surrounded by the love of family, friends and caretakers. Chad will be deeply missed by his “Mommy”, Nancy Ward-Patterson and “Daddy” Jeff Patterson, Marco Island Florida and Kelleys Island, Ohio.
Chad touched the lives of many people in Ashland. He attended Dale Roy School, Ashland County Board of Developmental Disabilities Day Program and the Link Day Program. He loved attending church services, community events, singing and dancing, playing basketball, watching Ohio State Football, local sports teams, and attending Cleveland Indians games. He loved being around people and accepted everyone the way they were. He enjoyed time swimming, boating, jet skiing and taking rides on Kelleys Island in addition to visiting Marco Island, Florida. Chad finished second in the State of Ohio Special Olympics swimming. Chad loved all animals especially his service dogs Parnell and Lamar and therapy cat Cruiser.
Following his graduation from high school Chad entered a group home in Ashland. His “second family” of caretakers and house “brothers” Chris Beechy, Randy Sharick and Nehemiah Barrett were very special to Chad. During his life’s journey Chad had a profound way of inspiring others to laugh, sing and dance with him. He personally turned others to a life of service and to be followers of his savior, Jesus Christ. Anyone that had contact with Chad knows he made a personal difference in their life.
Chad will be deeply missed by his parents, brother Todd Patterson (Jacquie), sister Libby Fichtelman (Steve), nieces and nephew Ardyn, Mayci, Quynn and Hayze Patterson & Ella Fichtelman, Uncle Rob and Aunt Mindy Ward,, Uncle Bill and Aunt Polly Chandler, Aunt Sally Ledbetter, Aunt Sue Coffman (Jack), Aunt Pam Pape, Uncle Bill Patterson (Pat) cousins Bill Chandler (Erin), Ryan Chandler (Kaitlin), Rob Ward (Katelyn), Maggie Moss (Eli) and Johnny Ward; Flynne, Ezra and Greer Chandler, Payton and Letti Chandler, Robby Ward and Adlee Moss.
Chad will also be missed by Aunt Deborah Phillips, Uncle Jim and Aunt Jude Seeholzer, Aunt Karen and Uncle Frank Baker; Biological father Christopher Seeholzer, cousins Patrick Phillips (Melissa), Devin Phillips, Kathleen Phillips, Ryan Baker (Danielle), Kyle Baker (Katie), Kelley Martin (Cody), Dana Meily (Berkley), Abbey Manion (Scott); Jackson, Brooklyn and Cayden Phillips, Trevor, Brody, Myles and Wyatt Baker, Finn and Sophie Baker, Henry and Auggie Martin, Ava and Oliver Meily, Max and Hugo Manion.
Chad was preceded in death by his grandparents Robert and Margaret Ward, William and Bernice Patterson, Don and Jan Rinehart, William and Shirley Chandler and James and Patricia Seeholzer, Uncles Rick Ledbetter, Gary Phillips and Michael Seeholzer.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 11 (4:00 PM) at Trinity Lutheran Church (Jack’s Place) in Ashland with Reverend Kevin McClain presiding. A private family interment will take place in the Ashland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Chad’s memory by contributing to Ashland Special Needs Ministry, 19 West Main Street, Suite 1, Ashland, OH 44805. Please put in the check memo that the donation is in the memory of Chad Seeholzer.
For those unable to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com