Barbara M. Seegers

Barbara Seegers, 74 of Freedom passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 25th after her long battle with cancer alongside her loving husband and four daughters.

Born August 21, 1951 to the late Rita and Robert Bodde along with her five siblings. Barb found the love of her life Gary Seegers who were married February 5th, 1972 and just celebrated 54 years of marriage! They built a life rooted in deep faith, friendship, laughter, and love. Gary was her “rock”, anchor, best friend, and the better half who made her every day brighter even during the tough journey the last few years. The marriage and family they have built together is something very special.

Barb was deeply devoted to Gary and her family. Their children Laurie (Chad) Smith, Shelley (Jim) Peterson and Tom Philbrick (father of her 3 children), Tammy (Andy) Nicholas, and Kristy (Mike) Reilly. Blessed with 15 grandchildren Thomas (Melissa) Smith, Stephanie (Trevor) Prusinski, Timothy and Karissa Smith, David (Marie) Philbrick, Joseph (Brooke) Philbrick and Jessica Philbrick, Christopher, Michael, Sean, and Julia Nicholas, and Patrick, Emma, Samantha, and Taylor Reilly. She also cherished her 8 great-grandchildren and joyfully awaiting 2 more.

Barb enjoyed her career for 33 years as the Town Clerk of Freedom. In her time off she loved fishing, reading books, traveling whether it's west to see the Redwoods and mountains, south to white sand beaches, east to see US history in DC, or north to sit on the lake. She loved attending her grandkids sporting events, recitals, and concerts. But most importantly spending time with her husband and family.

Barb is also survived by her best friend and sister Gloria (Dave) Faccio and her little brother Tony Bodde. Her sister-in-law Mary (Dan) VanderPas, Nancy (John) Kauth, Judy Seegers, Robert Philbrick, James (Pat) Seegers, John (Connie) Seegers, and many nieces and nephews.

Barb is preceded in death by both her parents, her inlaws Clarence and Rosemary Seegers, her sister Karen Bodde, her brothers Gene and Kenny Bodde. Her sister- in-laws Pat Bodde, Judy Bodde, Kim Bodde, and Linda Philbrick.

Our family is especially grateful to the incredible team at St. Elizabeth’s hospital, Green Bay Oncology, and University of Iowa Hospitals and clinics for their kindness, dedication and the dignity they showed Barb throughout her care.

A Funeral Mass for Barb will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Edward the Confessor of Mackville, N2929 WI-47, Appleton, WI. Visitation will begin at the church at 9:00 a.m. and will continue until the time of the Mass. Barb will be laid to rest in the parish cemetery. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.