Barbara Seidl

Barbara Weber Seidl entered this world in Marshfield, Wisconsin a beloved child and leaves us as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

Barbara was raised in Wisconsin and exhibited many mid-western traits: she wasn’t afraid of hard work, her word was binding, she was industrious and clever, and found joy in life. She excelled in school and she took pride in her penmanship, intellect and ability to befriend others.

Barbara graduated from Marquette University with a degree in nursing, and worked as an RN for over 40 years. She married Jim Seidl in 1955 and they made their first home in Ft. Collins, CO. Their four children came in quick succession and, as a family of six, moved around the country wherever Jim’s work took them.

Alaska called in 1967 and Barbara and Jim grabbed the North Star and took a ride of a lifetime that lasted 50 years and 1 week. Barbara loved all things Alaska had to offer – the fresh air, the mountains, the friendly community, the Last Frontier attitude and the waves of opportunities. She worked as a school nurse and received her Master’s Degree in Psychology in 1971. She spent years volunteering for Ushering in the Arts, the Anchorage Health Fairs, Anchorage Concert Chorus, the Anchorage Health Fairs, Anchorage Concert Chorus, the Anchorage Museum, the Catholic Church and Marriage Encounter.  

Barb knew how to connect with people and could often be found at Café del Mundo, inviting those sitting alone to join her. She loved a good joke, card games and puzzles, and could sing and dance with the best of them! Barb enjoyed cooking and baking, and if you met her, you likely tasted a homemade cookie. Barb and Jim traveled the world, hitting all continents except Antarctica. They enjoyed exchanging homes, learning with ElderHostel and tootling around with a tent and camp stove.

Family was Barb’s greatest joy. She is survived by her husband – Jim, of 63 years, children – Jean (Jeff) Walker, of Tomahawk, WI, Patrick (Debbie) Seidl, Ann (Tim) Rittal and Mike (Tracy) Seidl, all of Anchorage, AK; ten grandchildren and their spouses, 12 great grandchildren, a sister, many nieces and nephews and a cadre of good friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother and sister, and a great grandson.

Special thanks to Barb’s caregivers: Seely Katzenberg of Tomahawk, a very special niece and all of the incredible caregivers at Milestone Assisted Living Facility, especially the Memory Care Unit there.

She often said she was blessed beyond measure, but it was those who knew her that were truly blessed.

A Memorial Mass for Barbara Seidl will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Tomahawk at 10:00AM on Tuesday, November 27, 2018. Visitation will take place on Tuesday from 9:30AM until the time of Mass at 10:00AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Backpack Program of Tomahawk, WI (108 E Somo Avenue, Tomahawk, WI 54487).