Myra Seehafer

Myra Martha Lillian Seehafer, died Saturday, July 30th, under the care of Aspirus Hospice Care, with her family at her bedside, at Allison House East, in Schofield.

Myra was born on February 14, 1924, to Emil and Martha (Seidler) Oelke in the town of Stettin. She spent her childhood on the family farm with her nine brothers and sisters.

She was the only one in her family to go on to Wausau High School and graduate. She earned her room and board while in high school by working for a Miss Josephine Darren, who was the music director at the school. Under her direction, Myra studied music and sang a solo for the high school graduation. She graduated in May 1941. She earned a $25.00 scholarship to college, which she chose to use at the Technical School in Wausau.

Myra then met and married Wilbert Seehafer on December 19, 1942. They eventually bought a house on Burek Avenue in Wausau and lived there for 56 years. They were blessed with 5 children.

Myra and Wilbert always had a large garden, she canned and froze all their food. She made many jams and jellies for her family. She also loved to bake breads, cakes, and cookies, and melt-in-your mouth fresh donuts.

Her true love was sewing. She never saw an ugly piece of fabric. She sewed many world relief quilts for Trinity Lutheran Church and Mt. Olive Church, stuffed animals, clothing, doll clothes, and Christmas items to name a few. She passed her talent on to her daughters.

Myra and Wilbert had all 5 of their children attend Trinity Lutheran School for a Christian education, for which they are all greatful. She belonged to Trinity Church for over 60 years.

In later years, Myra and Wilbert bought a small cottage on the Willow Flowage. They loved it there and had many family outings with the grandchildren on their little bit of heaven "up north."

Myra also traveled to the places her children lived. Michigan, Iowa, Wyoming, and Colorado to name a few. She saw much and went on many excursions on these trips.

Wilbert died on January 6, 2004. Myra continued living on Burek Avenue until March 2008. Because of her dementia, she needed a safe place to live. She helped choose her room at Allison House East and cheerfully went along, as long as her faithful sewing machine could come. She always had a smile for everyone and we knew she loved her new home.

Myra is survived by her 5 children, LeRoy (Jean) Seehafer, Schofield, Eugene (Judith) Seehafer, Daniel, WY, Shirley (Daniel) Manning, Schofield, Sheila (Paul) Burgus, West Burlington, IA, and Sara (Brian Jarocki II) Goetsch, Merrill; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Emily (Rudolph) Schleif, Merrill; and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving are 2 sisters-in-law, Elenore Schlei, Colorado, and Evangeline Baumann, Wausau; and 2 brothers-in-law, Dennis Seehafer, Schofield, and Alvin Hoffman, Stevens Point.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her huband, Wilbert, in 2004; 6 brothers, Martin, Dennis, Arthur, Lawrence, David, and Carl; and 2 sisters, Dorothy Hoff and Gertrude Pyan.

The family would like to thank Dr. Robert C. Kaupie and his nurse, Linda, for their compassionate care. Also, Scott and Lori Rusch, of Allison House, as well as, Karen, Vicki, Tama (for the good meals) and the rest of the staff. A special thank you for Aspirus Hospice Care, especially Rachel.

God bless you Mom – until we meet again!

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 4th, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. The Reverend Gary Schultz will officiate. Pallbearers are Brian Seehafer, Marcus Goetsch, Adam Goetsch, Joey Goetsch, Ronald Lahnala, and Ronald Witucki. Honorary pallbearers are Allan Manning and Aaron Seehafer. Burial will follow at Rib View Cemetery, town of Stettin. Family will receive guests from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 3rd, at the Helke Funeral Home, Wausau; and again on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the service at church.