Patricia Belle Mauel

Patricia Belle Mauel passed away on January 22, 2025 at the age of 83. Patricia was born in Moline, IL. She was the first of two daughters and a son born to Daniel and Helen Sheahan. After living in Davenport, Iowa, for several years, Patricia’s family eventually moved to Beloit, Wisconsin, where she graduated from Beloit Memorial High School in 1959. Patricia was working in the admissions office at Beloit College in Beloit, WI, when she met William Mauel while looking for a tennis instructor. The two fell in love and were married in 1967. 

In Patricia’s words, “Being a mother was the great joy of my life.” She immersed herself in being a mother in her home and her community. Patricia was president of the Leche League, she was president of the Oconomowoc Nursery School, and she volunteered as an elementary school health room nurse. She nurtured her kids through soccer, baseball, and basketball practices, tennis, band, piano and swimming lessons, nature walks, camping trips, summer school, homework, and all the other challenges of childhood. Throughout, Patricia was clearly enjoying the experience to the benefit of those around her.

Much of Patricia’s life revolved around service. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed a bachelor’s degree in social work at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Patricia’s social work career was rooted in her camp counselor days at Camp Manitowish, and her experiences in grassroots projects in Newark, New Jersey in the 60’s. As a result, Patricia chose to work with the homeless population in Milwaukee at Guest House of Milwaukee and St. Ben’s Parish Meal site. Pat’s clients were often mentally ill and in need of health care. For 15 years, Pat facilitated medical treatment, psychotherapy, drug and alcohol treatment, health insurance and Medicare benefits, social security benefits, while working toward a solution to get her clients off the street for good. 

In her retirement, Pat busied herself with extensive travels and social activities. She traveled across Europe, and all over North, South & Central America, including numerous trips to Mexico. She spent her free time attending book clubs, gourmet clubs, bible study groups, taking piano and flute lessons, and bridge club. She enjoyed volunteering at Stone Bank Presbyterian church where she continued to give her time and experience to selfless service. But Pat’s greatest joy in retirement was being a grandmother to her two granddaughters. “Grandma Mauel” was a constant in their lives, and she enjoyed all her grandmother duties and activities to no end. 

Patricia is survived by her sister Beth O’Neil; daughter Valerie Mullins, son Stephen Mauel, son David Mauel; granddaughter Grace Mullins, granddaughter Jessica Mullins, and grandson Daniel Mauel, sister-in-law Eleanor (Larry) Christofferson, sister-in-law Ruth (Robert) Mauel, and nieces and nephews, Elliott, Cale, Andy, Adam, and Gabrielle Mauel, Casey, Kevin, Scott, Martin and Fritz Christofferson, Connie Senz, Tisha Rollette, Mathew, Michael and Tim Mills, Monica Barrie, Amy Spangler, Mark and Jay Payleitner, Mary Kay Coleman, Susan Curran, Paige Wenk, Ryan and Brandon Sheahan, and Shawn and Nathan Swanson.. She was preceded by her parents, her husband William Mauel, her brother John Sheahan, sister-in-law Barb Hase, and brother-in-law Gary Swanson.

In place of flowers, the family asks to please consider donations to the Guest House of Milwaukee (https://www.guesthouseofmilwaukee.org), or the St. Ben’s Parrish Community Meal site (https://stbensparishmilwaukee.org).