Mary Lee Halbleib

Mary Lee (Meyers) Halbleib passed away Friday, October 18, 2024 at Caretta Senior Living in Eau Claire, WI surrounded by her family.

Born the only child of Joseph J. Meyers Jr and Berdene L. (Brown) Meyers in Eau Claire, WI on May 15, 1947 she lived in Eau Claire until moving to her childhood home at the age of 8. She graduated from Chippewa Falls Senior High School in 1965. In 1969 she became a Licensed Practical Nurse beginning a 40 year career in nursing. She worked at St. Joseph's Hospital in OB/Gyn for 14 years, working with babies, moms and in women's health. She also enjoyed a 25 year career working with the elderly in nursing homes and concluded her career providing home care where she made several dear friends.

She married John (Jack) Halbleib February 12, 1972. They had two children, Jason Halbleib and Jodi Sippel. They enjoyed 52 years of marriage enriched by family and careers. Mary Lee enjoyed gardening, crafting, playing cards and baking. An ambitious gal, she enjoyed cleaning so for several years ran a home cleaning company (Daisy Fresh Cleaning Service) and a candy supply business (Confection Connection) in addition to working full time as a nurse and managing a busy household as a wife and mother. She loved her cockatiels, Volkswagen convertible and Corvette and the friendships they brought. She was active in her church and enjoyed activities, inspiration and friendships there. She was a member of Chippewa Valley Corvettes for over 20 years.

Jack and Mary Lee were fortunate to enjoy a good bit of traveling, cruises to the Caribbean Islands, Australia, Alaska and taking the granddaughters to Disney World and a Disney Cruise at magical ages they could enjoy. Blessed by strong family ties and wonderful friends many memories were made.

Mary had many health struggles. As an infant she spent a year in the Tuberculosis Sanitarium in Madison, WI, limiting visits with mom and dad to weekends. Later as an adult diabetic she experienced the pain of neuropathy and back surgery. Her English and Norwegian heritage gave her a strong will as she continued to maintain her independence. Her final year was plagued with the amputation of her right leg after months of efforts to save it and then the recent onset of dementia. 

She is survived by her husband, Jack, children Jason (Jeff Cordell) of Marietta, OH Jodene Sippel of Eau Claire and granddaughters Sarah (JD) Holm and Abigail (Ethan) Ogden. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Chippewa Manor, Caretta Senior Living and Lily Hospice for their excellent and caring service in her final months. 

Funeral Services will be provided through Pederson-Volker Funeral Home with Visitation on Tuesday, October 22 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM with services on Wednesday, October 23 at 11:00 AM at Faith Lutheran Church, 733 Woodward Ave, Chippewa Falls, with viewing at 10:00 AM until the time of the services. Rev Dr Daniel Wonderly will officiate. Burial will be at Prairie View Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Lily Hospice.