Barbara Weber Seidl

1932 - 2016

Barbara Weber Seidl entered this world in Marshfield, Wis., 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 midwestern 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 registered nurse (RN) for over 40 years. She married Jim Seidl in 1955, and they made their first home in Ft. Collins, Colo. 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 one 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 masters degree in psychology in 1971. She spent years volunteering for Ushering in the Arts, 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 Cafe 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 of 63 years, Jim; children, Jean (Jeff) Walker of Tomahawk, Wis.; Patrick (Debbie) Seidl, Ann (Tim) Rittal and Mike (Tracy) Seidl, all of Anchorage, Alaska; ten grandchildren and their spouses, 12 great-grandchildren, a sister, many nieces and nephews, and a cadre of good friend. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother and sister, and 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 and especially the Memory Care Unit there. Also thank you to Ministry Home Care Hospice.
She often said she was blessed beyond measure, but it was those who knew her that were truly blessed.
A Memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, 3900 Wisconsin St., Anchorage, AK 99517, on Jan. 4, 2019, at 4 p.m. A wake will follow at Bayshore Clubhouse, 3131 Amber Bay Loop, Anchorage, AK 99515, from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, 621 W 6th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99501.