Rec Center Spotlight: Two Steve's

Published on September 26, 2025

After Steve Ortmeyer (pictured right) suffered a heart attack in 2018, he met Steve Seeling (pictured left) during cardiac rehab. 

“He introduced me to the Rec Center and said, ‘Why don't you come out and join me?’ So I did. That’s how I became a member,” Ortmeyer said. 

Now, both Steves head to the Rec Center every morning at 6:30 a.m. for exercise, connection and accountability. 

“We have a group of four other people that have grown to be good friends, and we meet for coffee after we work out,” Ortmeyer said. “That's motivation in itself. Just seeing them and, I guess in small part, living up to their expectations—they expect to see you, so you're here. We're going to make it.” 

For Seeling, staying active is what keeps him coming back. 

“It's amazing the number of people upstairs walking around the track that are cardio patients one way or the other,” Seeling said. “That's probably the thing that got me going—my doc said, ‘Let's get out there and exercise and remain active.’” 

Though both Steves are now retired, they spent decades building their careers. 

“I worked for State Farm Insurance, and I got my job the day I walked out of college doors and worked there my entire career,” Ortmeyer said. “I was in claims management.” 

Seeling worked in regional sales across several states. 

“I sold commercial building materials, storefronts, entrance doors and curtain wall systems,” Seeling said. “I traveled to four states and dealt with architects and glazing contractors and commercial window projects.” 

Outside of their time at the Rec Center, both men value staying connected—with each other, and with family. 

“I have three children, and they all live within a 15-minute radius,” Ortmeyer said. “We try to see them as often as possible.” 

“I like to travel internationally,” Seeling said. “Every year, my wife and I try to make a trip somewhere. We just like to see all the creation out there, all the different things in the world. Each country is unique in their own way. The best trip I’ve been on was going around Ireland. People there love to enjoy life."