Douglas John Seidl

Douglas (Doug) Seidl, died peacefully on April 3, 2022, at Agrace Hospice surrounded by family. He was 54. After his diagnosis in March 2021, Doug endured months of testing; however, the source of his cancer remained unknown. Just like in life, Doug fought cancer his way, seeking multiple treatment options and giving it his all until the very end. When his body no longer responded to treatment, Doug spent his last three days saying goodbye to his girls, saying so long to his family and close friends, and then enjoying a day of music with Mary, Maggie, and his girls. At 3:30 am the next day, he breathed his last breath after hearing his girls say goodbye and that he was loved. Born April 16, 1967, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Doug’s family moved to Wausau when he was in elementary school. He graduated from Wausau East High School in 1985. Doug’s love for basketball began as a lumberjack and continued throughout his life, playing in the “old man” league in Mount Horeb for years. He attended college at UW Extension after receiving an art scholarship. After two years, he transferred to UW-Madison but maintained some of his best learning happened at the “stench.” Doug was a life-long Badger--occasionally extending himself to be a Boilermaker when his oldest daughter swam for Purdue. Proudly, his youngest daughter followed in her parents’ footsteps and revived his Badger spirit! Doug hosted a Halloween party in 1988, providing a t-shirt he designed for all participants. At this party, Doug kissed his future wife, Mary, for the first time. Their romance was one of a roller coaster, but they made it work--each bringing their gifts to the table, making a strong bond from which their family thrived. Their ride began when they married May 16, 1992, on an evening filled with lightning and flash floods. They welcomed Maizie Regan in 1998 and Cleo Arden in 2001. Doug’s family was always his first priority. He was the rock upon which they leaned and the source of humor that they relied upon. Doug made life fun! Professionally, Doug worked as an Artist after receiving his Bachelor’s degree in 1989, designing apparel for various businesses including many collegiate sport teams and local events. In 2000, Doug moved with his family to Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, and shortly after, started his own business that combined his artistic love with his passion for old homes, The Arts and Crafts Workshop. Anyone who received services from his business knows that Doug’s perfectionist ways, problem-solving tenacity, and eye for detail contributed to his success. He was authentic--what you saw is what you got with Doug, which was one of the things so many loved most about him. Owning his own business allowed Doug flexibility to care for his family in a variety of ways. Not only did he walk both girls to and from school, but he also made time for “Daddy Days.” Adventures to the Children's Museum, Zoo, and Tyrol Basin to name a few. Doug was a true “girl dad.” From Friday fun nights to Saturday Moho Gator swim meets, Doug was always there to support his girls. When they both left for college, Doug and Mary purchased a smaller home with a workshop and pool. He worked tirelessly to update his new nest for Mary and appreciated the peace and quiet of country living. Outside of work and family, Doug was also a genuine friend and neighbor. He never passed up an opportunity to share a few minutes and catch up with anyone - be it conversations about antique cars like his own Corvairs, the latest Bucks game or his snowmobile rides on the old Rupp. Doug also loved a party - his Brew Fest adventures and the margarita after parties were legendary. No one could rock vintage vinyl from a second-hand store on the third floor better than Doug or enjoy a fine beverage like Fosters. As he said in his last days, Doug did the inviting and Mary made the taco salad - a true team. Doug is survived by his Wife, Mary (Eckardt) Seidl; his Daughters: Maizie and Cleo; his Mother, Vicki; his Sister, Fay Iosso and her children Francesco and Giovanna; and his Sister and Brother in Law, Billy and Sally Gau, and their family Maggie Gau and Liz (Ted & Will) Link. He was preceded in death by his Dad, Roland - a parent he called his best friend who he treasured and missed dearly. Doug requested a private burial with a celebration of his life. The celebration will take place on May 14th from 11 to 3 at the Old School House, 110 N. Second Street, Mount Horeb. There will be “Douggie” dogs, corvairs, beer and 80s rock with lots and lots of stories. In lieu of flowers, donations for education expenses for Doug’s girls may be sent to the family. We thank UW Carbone Cancer Center, Dr. Sam Lubner, and Agrace Hospice for their care of Doug. We also thank friends and family for ongoing love and support during this battle. Every act of kindness, however big or small, mattered to Doug and his family. The roller coaster ride is over, my sweet love, rest well and peace out.