Obit: Mabeus, Dr. Donald (1935 - 2022)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Mabeus, Finley, Goenner, Bjork, Baker-Davis

----Source: Marshfield News-Herald (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 12/17/2022

Mabeus, Dr. Donald (29 March 1935 – 15 December 2022)

Dr. Donald Mabeus passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at his home, in Marshfield, WI.

Don was born on March 29, 1935, in Randolph, Nebraska, the son of Victor and Margaret Mabeus. He graduated high school in Bloomfield, Nebraska and after serving in the U.S. Army, as surveyor in North Africa, he attended dental school at the University of Illinois in Chicago.

Don married his wife of 62 years, Mary Ellen Finley on June 18th, 1960, in Loves Park, Illinois.

After graduation, Don began his dental practice in Neillsville, before moving and establishing The Mabeus Dental Office in Marshfield. Don and Mary owned a hobby farm where they raised Herford cattle and their three sons.

Don and Mary were avid Country Line Dancers, belonging to the Central Wisconsin Country Dance Club. They served in leaderships positions in the club organizing numerous dances across Wisconsin. The Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s dances were enjoyed by all club members.

Don and Mary loved to travel. They visited famous and historical sites in Yugoslavia, Germany, Singapore and Malaysia as well as numerous adventures across the US. Don visited nearly every state in the US including Alaska while delivering new trucks, most often accompanied by Mary.

Don enjoyed staying busy with many projects and hobbies. Of particular note, Don and Mary purchased the Reed School near Neillsville in 1995 and proceeded to restore the building to its previous condition. When their work was finished, Don and Mary hosted numerous parties and dances at the school which were enjoyed by former students and teachers. The school is now on the Wisconsin Historical Society list.

Don was particularly adept at woodworking. He renovated their home on 1500 South Cedar Avenue and constructed a gabled roof tool shed and garden shed. Later in his life he became an avid reader and self-taught guitar player, and cyclist.

Don was a leader in adopting technology, being one of the first among his peers to own a video cassette recorder and camera. He filmed hours of special events and activities which were enjoyable to share with family and friends.

He is survived by his sister Gwen Goenner, his wife Mary, and their three sons, Steven (Mary Pat), Jon (Dee) and David (Mary Kay); Grandchildren Elizabeth Bjork (Albert) , Michael Mabeus (Julie) , Nick Mabeus, and Great Grandchildren Scott and Margo Bjork. He was preceded in death by his parents and Brother Duane.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 7th at the First Presbyterian Church, Marshfield where the family will receive relatives and friends from 10:00 until service time at 11:00 followed by the internment and lunch. The Reverend Laurie Baker-Davis will officiate.