Obituaries

October 29, 1952 to October 22, 2024

WINAMAC - Mary E. Seidel, 71, of Winamac, passed away peacefully at 12:12 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 22, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Lafayette.

Mary Seidel

Born Oct. 29, 1952 in Logansport, she was the daughter of the late Francis “Butch” and Gertrude M. (Meyer) Rausch. She was a devoted caregiver for her mother “Granny.” She was a Winamac Community High School graduate of the class of 1970. After high school, she enjoyed playing softball as a member of the Rausch Farms women’s softball team with her friends. She married Thomas E. Seidel on Aug. 16, 1997. He survives.

Survivors also include brothers F. David (Linda) Rausch and Larry (Cloretta) Rausch of Winamac; sisters Helen Rausch of Logansport, Joyce Kelsey of Iowa; and brothers- and sisters-in-law, George and Marilyn Kreiger of Valparaiso and Allen and Shelia Seidel of Winamac. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by brothers John Rausch, Daniel Rausch and Mose Rausch and sister Gertrude “Trudy” Kruzick.

Mrs. Seidel was formerly employed by United Telephone for several years. She retired from Eastern Pulaski School Corporation after working 24 years as a custodian. She was a devoted farm wife and enjoyed helping Tom on the farm, driving her Gator. She liked gardening and collecting antiques. She could grow the best pumpkins and gourds. She enjoyed spending time at “Pigs,” and cheering on her nieces and nephews in their sporting events. She was a very talented cook and was famous for her “Heavenly Bars” and gumbo. With her husband It did not matter what they were doing, they just enjoyed their time together. She was a loving aunt and will be greatly missed by all her family.

A celebration of life service will be at 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 2, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Winamac Chapel, 110 N. Sally Dr., Winamac. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, the Northern Indiana Power from the Past (P.O. Box 78, Winamac, IN 46996), and the Winamac Girls Softball League. 

Mrs. Seidel’s online guestbook is available and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.