Ann Seidl

Ann M. Seidl, 54, Eau Claire, entered heaven on the morning of March 29 when she was tragically and fatally struck by a vehicle while doing what she loved: running. She was born June 16, 1970 to Muriel (Dalebroux) Seidl and the late Harold Seidl. She attended St. Mary Elementary in Luxemburg and graduated from Luxemburg-Casco High School 1988, where she excelled in academics and the sports of volleyball, basketball and softball.

After high school, Ann attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, graduating in 1992 with a B.S. in Computer Science. She married Dennis Abts that same year and the two later moved to Frisco, TX, a suburb of Dallas, where Ann worked in the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank as a programmer analyst. Ann's oldest son, Austin, was born in Plano, TX in 1996.

In 1997, Ann and Dennis moved to Eau Claire to start a new home for their growing family. Joining Austin were his brothers Mitchel, born in 1997, and Parker, born in 2000. In Eau Claire, Ann dedicated herself wholly to her family, including to the care of Parker, who has Down Syndrome.

After her children were older, Ann answered several more professional callings. She served at Regis Catholic Schools first as a substitute teacher and later as a teacher of theology. She also served her community as a peer support mentor, where she used her life experiences to help guide others down their own paths toward healing, wellness, and recovery. In every way, she changed the lives of those she served positively.

Ann touched many lives in Eau Claire outside of her professional roles. She was a smiling face running the city's streets whether it was with her son Parker or with her group of running friends (or sometimes both). Ann was active and supportive in all of her sons' extracurriculars, from Boy Scouts, to sports, to events in the Eau Claire community for those with special needs. To many, she was like a second mother, and she was adored as such.

As Ann and Dennis divorced in 2003, Ann found her life partner in Tony Olson (56). One of the places that she found the most peace was on his land, where she loved to watch the sun rise and set, sitting on the swing with Tony, Parker, and Tony's girls (Tia and Grace). A favorite pastime was reading a book in her chair next to the window, watching the birds.

Ann's legacy is carried on by her surviving sons, as well as by the myriad lives that she touched on Earth. Ann's boundless love and grace continues to impact the lives of all those she knew.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28

Ann is survived by her three sons, Austin, Mitchel and Parker Abts; her mother, Muriel Seidl, Luxemburg; her four brothers, Russ (Ann) Seidl of Green Bay, Andy Seidl of Green Bay, Mark Seidl of Mishicot and Alan Seidl of Luxemburg; two nieces, Elizabeth (Kurtis) Larson and Lauren (Garrett) Johnson; one great-nephew, Spencer and three great nieces, Samantha, Lucy, and Clara. Ann was preceded in death by her brother, Paul G. Seidl; her father, Harold Seidl; and her paternal and maternal grandparents.

A visitation will be held from 4-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1712 Highland Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701. There will be no visitation prior to the mass on Friday. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, April 11 at 10:30 am at Immaculate Conception Church, Father Francis Thadathil will officiate. Committal Services will take place immediately following the Mass on Friday in Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire.

In lieu of gifts or flowers to the family, a fund has been established in Ann's honor so that she may continue to be a force for good in Eau Claire. Donations can be sent at her memorial website, along with any photos or memories that you would like to share: tinyurl.com/277jhs7z.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.