The evening sky was clear and bright as around 25 people gathered at Indiana Dunes State Park for a memorial hike in honor of Ron Seman. Seman, who passed away at 64, was well-known for his extensive knowledge of the dunes and his role as a hiking guide.
A Beloved Figure in Hiking
Seman, who died in his sleep at his home in Chesterton on June 26, had a profound impact on many lives. His death left a void felt by family and friends who often joined him on trails. His wife, Susan Seman, attended the hike despite her usual inability to walk long distances due to her health. Hikers descended Trail 9, which offers a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan, as part of his memorial walk held on Friday, July 24, 2026.
Shared Memories and Community Bonds
The hike’s participants, including Tiffany Yorek and Ryan Pagell, highlighted the community Seman fostered through his walks. Yorek noted his ability to build lasting relationships, while Pagell expressed that Seman’s spirit remains with them on every hike they take. At the end of the hike, a circle was formed on the beach where attendees shared stories about Seman against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset.
Seman’s Impact on Others
Barry Tharp recalled meeting Seman eight years ago and how Seman’s energy and knowledge stood out. Tharp noted Seman’s dedication to promoting the monarch butterfly and his ambitious “Monster Dune Challenge,” which put his endurance to the test every season by covering all 22 miles of trails.
Ed Oziminski shared memories of one of Seman’s last hikes. On a hot, humid day, they cooled off in Lake Michigan. Reflections were also shared by Marcella Bernat, who spoke about Seman’s support during her grieving process after her husband’s death. Through Seman’s encouragement and companionship, she found solace in the beauty of nature.
Efforts to Honor Seman
At the event’s conclusion, Connor Zelasko prepared for a memorial circle and spoke about his petition to name a dune after Seman. Despite initial resistance, Zelasko remains hopeful about achieving this goal. Seman’s influence extended to his support for addiction recovery, with weekly hikes encouraging participants to reconnect with life and nature. For Zelasko, Seman was not only a leader but also a cherished friend.
The memorial ended with shared memories and a commitment to continuing what Seman started. Seman’s legacy lives on through the strong bonds formed during his hikes and his dedication to nature and community.
Jim Woods is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
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