Mary Beth Seebauer entered into eternal rest on January 1, 2024. She was born in La Crosse, WI on December 6, 1951 to John and Marion Wheeler. She was the second of their three children and she graduated from La Crosse Logan High School in 1970. Mary was employed by La Crosse Footwear for over 30 years.

She married Albert Seebauer on October 24, 1981. Together, they raised two children and spent their time as a family outdoors. Where you saw Mary, you saw Albert. You could find them on the lake in Onalaska ice fishing, the Mississippi river fishing from their boat, or on the Chippewa Flowage in Hayward fishing for walleyes while keeping a watchful eye out for bears and loons. They were a team. They loved hunting together, attending dirt track races together, and camping together. The two weeks in spring and fall that they would spend up north in Hayward camping were her favorite weeks of the year.

She loved the fall season. She loved the leaves changing color, the chill in the air and the holidays that were to come. She was a holiday decorator and loved going to craft shows, department stores, and local boutiques with her sister and daughter to find the perfect piece that would make her smile for years to come. Mary spent countless hours hand-painting the most beautiful ceramic Christmas village and would put it on display each year.

Mary also enjoyed taking rides with Albert. They would get in the car with no plan and see where they would end up. It most likely was Cabela’s or Stark’s in Prairie Du Chein, an indoor flea market, or a local restaurant in some small Wisconsin town. She truly loved looking at the scenery and enjoying the day. Often, they would stop by and visit with friends or family along the way.

Mary also loved to dance with Albert. The Concordia Ballroom was one of their favorite places to be on a Sunday afternoon.  They continued to move with grace on the dance floor until he passed in 2021.

Mary has passed on, but has left her legacy behind with one daughter, Hollie (Jason) Gust of Barneveld, WI and one son, Allen Seebauer of Onalaska, WI. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Morgan Gust, Ryan Gust, Mark Clark, Cyrus Clark, and Louis Clark; a sister, Barbara Dettinger, a sister-in-law, Joyce (John) Deal, a brother-in-law, Bernie (Grayle Berg) Seebauer,  a sister-in-law Lorraine Seebauer, and her nephews James (Gina) Deal, Mark (Kristie) Seebauer and her nieces Melissa Sample, Sara (Michael) Albrecht, Courtney (Jason) Pedretti, and Brooke Seebauer along with several great-nephews and great-nieces. She is preceded in death by her husband, Albert, her parents, and one brother, John Wheeler, Jr.

The family would like to acknowledge the memory care staff at Springbrook Assisted Living in LaCrescent, MN. The level of care, support, and love that they showed Mary in her last year and a half of her life was truly a blessing. They gave her purpose, laughter, and respect during her journey through dementia and they deserve to know how much they are appreciated and to know that their work does not go unnoticed. A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU to Brooke Seebauer and Alie Patraw for being mom’s angels in some of her last moments.

There will not be funeral services for Mary at this time. Her family plans to have a private celebration of life for her at a later date.

If you wish to make a donation in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:

Kids and Mentors Outdoors, Coulee Chapter. Financial donations should be made out to “Coulee KAMO” and be mailed to: C/O Michael Brown, 1712 Wood Street, La Crosse, WI 54603. Donated funds will be used 100% for getting kids outdoors – no administrative costs. There are no paid personnel in K.A.M.O.