Martha Ann Mapes

Martha Ann Mapes, age 97, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2026, at Seasons of life Hospice House in Woodruff. Martha was born in Chicago on October 9th, 1928, to Albin Kubica and Maria (Turanek) Kubica.

Martha grew up in Chicago and graduated from Von Steuben High School, of which she was very proud. One of her favorite pastimes was to go to Wrigley Field and watch her favorite Chicago Cubs. She knew all about the team and their positions and profiles. She never let go of her “Cubbies” or her Chicago Bears. Shortly after her graduation, her parents purchased Squaw Lake Resort and moved to Minocqua. It was there at a Minocqua High School basketball game that Martha first caught the eye of her future husband, David Mapes. It was love at first sight.

David was in the Air Force when they were married and Martha joined him in Utah where their family first started. After discharge from the Air Force they returned to Minocqua and their family grew to six. When David worked for Wisconsin Public Service they attempted to make extra money working together raising mink; but that was not as lucrative as they had hoped. Martha helped support the family by providing day care babysitting service for the children of local school teachers before beginning what would become another cherished chapter in her life as a waitress at Mama’s Belle Vista Restaurant.

At Mama’s Martha became affectionately known as one of “Mama’s Girls”. Mama’s Girls were a very close group of waitresses who remained friends throughout the years and were known to locals as “Mama’s Girls”. Together they played cards, bunco, golf, celebrated at parties, helped Irene make ravioli, traveled together and  created countless memories. Those friendships were an important and joyful part of her life.

As the family grew they began a special family project: building a log cabin by hand in their back yard. Once completed, the cabin was moved to Squaw Lake and became the gathering place for family and friends. Weekends at the cabin were filled with water skiing, sailing, swimming, boating, fishing, snowmobiling, wild game feeds, making maple syrup, parties, laughter and making memories. Martha and David welcomed many friends from Mama’s, Wisconsin Public Service, and family into their lives and the cabin became family memories for generations.

In her later years, Martha continued to enjoy golf and bunco. She also loved going to the casino and could often be heard proudly claiming that she was a winner. Martha will be remembered for her love of family, her friendships, her sense of fun, and the many wonderful memories she created for those around her. She lived a long and full life, always finding joy in the people she loved and the simple pleasures of being together.

Martha was the beloved mother of her children, Dave (Lisa) Mapes, Dan Mapes, Donah (Barry) Seidel; cherished grandmother of, Ayla (Zach) Nehls, Merlin (Morgan) Mapes, Joe Mapes, Benn (Elena) Mapes, Danielle (Tom) Marble, Barry Seidel Jr., Barbara (Eric) Boyer, Susan Scandin, Christine Seidel, and Greg (Kristen) Seidel. She is also survived by many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albin and Marie Kubica; her husband, David J. Mapes; her son, D.W. (Dwayne) Mapes; and her sister, Besse Kozak.

Above all, Martha’s greatest joy was being a wife and mother of her children. They were the center of her world.  Martha leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, friendship, and family memories that will continue to be cherished by all who knew and loved her.

Rest Peacefully, Martha. 

Celebration of Life Services for Martha will be held on Wednesday, October 7th from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Nimsgern Funeral Home Chapel with a Memorial Service at 4:00 pm followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests support for The Seasons of Life Hospice House of Woodruff who provided amazing comfort and care during her last days.

Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com

NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.