Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard

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Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard

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Recognizing dedicated nursing professionals at the time of their passing through tradition and ceremony. Please contact us at www.

winurseshonorguard.com to request a tribute, volunteer or donate to our organization. The Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard will provide a final tribute, free of charge, to any licensed/registered nurse (LPN, RN, or Advanced Practice) active or retired, that resides in the State of Wisconsin. Wisconsin nurses who desire to volunteer with us, please visit our website and fill out the "volunteer with us" form/tab.

10/25/2026

On Saturday, October 24, 2026, Nancy Scott, RN was remembered and honored for her nursing career in Wausau, WI.

Nancy dedicated more than four decades of her life to the nursing profession, providing compassionate care to patients throughout her career. She began her nursing journey at Madison General Hospital School of Nursing, where she also worked as a nursing aide while completing her education. Nancy graduated in 1961 and began her professional nursing career at Madison General Hospital, performing general nursing duties.

She continued her nursing career at St. Mary's Hospital, gaining valuable experience and building upon the foundation of her nursing education.
After moving to Stoughton, Wisconsin, Nancy worked at Stoughton Hospital, followed by Skaalen Nursing Home and McCarthy Nursing Home.

It was in geriatric nursing that Nancy found her true calling. She had a special place in her heart for the elderly and understood that caring for older adults meant so much more than tending to their medical needs. It meant offering kindness, patience, a listening ear, and a reassuring presence. Nancy recognized the importance of treating each person with dignity and respect, understanding that every patient had a lifetime of stories, experiences, and wisdom to share.
In 1980, Nancy moved to Wausau, Wisconsin, where she joined Mount View Care Center, part of North Central Health Care. She continued caring for patients there until her retirement in December 2003.

Throughout her career, Nancy witnessed many changes in healthcare, but her dedication to her patients and the nursing profession remained constant.
Nancy also recognized the importance of encouraging the next generation of nurses. She took an interest in younger people entering healthcare, particularly nursing assistants, encouraging them to further their education and pursue careers in nursing.

From her graduation in 1961 until her retirement in 2003, Nancy devoted 42 years to the nursing profession. Her career reflected a lifelong commitment to caring for others, especially the elderly, and to inspiring those who would follow in her footsteps.

Nurse Nancy, thank you for your dedication to our profession. Your service is remembered, your compassion is appreciated, and your legacy lives on.

We appreciate Nancy's family for inviting us to honor her. Our nurses present were Jennifer, Ruth, Marie, Phyllis, and Jan. We thank them for honoring our colleague and for their dedicated service to our organization.

10/22/2026

Joyce Gass, RN was honored on Thursday, October 22nd in Brookfield by the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard for her dedicated service to our profession.

Joyce graduated from Milwaukee Hospital in 1953 and began her professional career there, serving until 1958. It was in the hospital’s Emergency Department that she met a young intern, Dr. Howard Gass. Their meeting began a partnership in life and in service, and they married in 1955.

In 1958, Joyce left Milwaukee Hospital and joined Dr. Gass in his obstetrics and gynecology practice, serving as his clinic nurse until the birth of their first child. Although her place of work changed, her nursing vocation continued. From home, Joyce became Dr. Gass’s triage nurse, answering calls with calm judgment, careful attention, and a reassuring presence while also managing the needs of her children and household. She faithfully continued in this role until 2005.

Joyce’s nursing gifts were never confined to a hospital or clinic. She brought them into her family life, tending to childhood injuries, offering practical care, and helping those she loved feel safe. Her knowledge, patience, and readiness to respond made nursing not simply her profession, but a lifelong expression of who she was.

Joyce answered the call to become a nurse and remained faithful to that calling across the decades—in the hospital, in the clinic, on the telephone, and within her home. Through every season, she offered the steady hands, clear mind, and caring heart that define the nursing profession.

We stand in gratitude for her years of service, her steadfast compassion, and the many ways she carried the heart of nursing throughout her life. Nurse Joyce, RN, your duty is complete. We thank you for your faithful commitment to nursing and to humanity. May you rest in peace, knowing that your service, compassion, and dedication will be remembered.

NHG Members in attendance were Annette, Wendi, Suzanne, Pauline, Paula, Cheryl, and Sandy.

10/22/2026

We were honored to be invited to the Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association (WFDA) Regional Meeting in Schofield on Tuesday, October 20th.

It was a wonderful opportunity to share the mission of the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard and demonstrate how we honor our fellow nurses through a mock tribute. We appreciate the warm welcome and the opportunity to introduce our organization to funeral professionals in the area.

A special thank you to Jacob at Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Services for extending the invitation and making this opportunity possible.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Mary, Jan, Ruth, Margie, Michele, and Diana for taking the time to attend and represent the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard so beautifully!

Would your organization or group like to learn more about the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard? We would love to share our mission with you!

Contact us at [email protected] to learn more.

10/22/2026

On Wednesday, October 21, 2026 the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard paid tribute to Helen Burke, LPN.

Helen dedicated her life to caring for others, both through her nursing career and her many contributions to her community.

As a Licensed Practical Nurse, Helen worked at hospitals in Oconomowoc and at St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Throughout her career, she served in a variety of areas, including surgical floors, intensive care, psychiatry, and, for a short time, obstetrics and gynecology. Her willingness to work in different specialties reflected the versatility and dedication nursing demands. Through her work she touched lives and provided care to those in need.

Helen’s life was also filled with memorable stories that reflected her spirit and perhaps a little bit of adventure. While working in Oconomowoc, she would sneak rides to work on her brother’s Indian motorcycle while he was serving overseas. It is a wonderful glimpse into Helen’s life - a reminder that behind her nursing uniform was a woman with a sense of adventure and a story or two to share.

Helen’s life was defined by service, compassion and a willingness to be involved in the lives of others. Her legacy lives on in the patients she cared for, the organizations she supported and the community she helped strengthen.

Nurse Helen, your earthly duties are complete. Rest peacefully, your nursing sisters and brothers will take it from here.

The WNHG would like to thank Helen’s family for inviting us to honor her. Nurses present were Marcia, Mary, Emily, and Ramona. We thank them for their dedication to nursing and to our organization.

10/21/2026

On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard honored Betty Jane Forest, LPN, in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

Betty’s journey into nursing began after years of dedicating herself to raising her children as a stay-at-home mother. Once her children were in school, Betty decided to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. Alongside a girlfriend, she made the drive into Green Bay to attend Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, beginning what would become a long and rewarding nursing career.

Betty devoted 31 years to caring for patients on the
Medical/Surgical unit at Door County Memorial Hospital. Nursing was more than a profession for Betty; it was something she truly loved. Known for her kindness, compassion, and gentle spirit, she brought comfort and reassurance to those in her care. She was a wonderful nurse who earned the love and respect of both her patients and her fellow colleagues.

At the age of 62, Betty retired from nursing to devote her time and attention to helping her husband as he faced health concerns. It was a natural extension of the caring and selfless spirit she had shared with others throughout her career.

Betty's legacy is one of dedication, compassion, and a genuine love for caring for others. She will be remembered as a beloved colleague, an exceptional nurse, and a woman who truly embodied the heart of nursing.

We thank Betty’s family for inviting us to honor her. Nurses in attendance were Barb, Gloria, Jane and Jody. Thank you for driving through the fog to honor Betty. We appreciate your dedication to our organization.

10/18/2026

On Saturday, the Rochester Nurses Honor Guard in partnership with the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard honored the life and career or Ann Sandberg, RN in Janesville, MN.

Ann began her nursing journey after graduating from Wadena High School in 1953. She went on to attend St. Catherine’s College in St. Paul, where she earned her nursing degree and became a registered nurse.

She began her career working in surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul. Later, while raising her young family, Ann worked as an RN at the Janesville Nursing Home.

Ann was always very proud to be a nurse. Even after leaving bedside nursing to work in the family businesses, she continued her nursing education and maintained her RN license through the 1980s. For Ann, nursing was more than a career. It was part of who she was.

One of the greatest gifts of her nursing education was the lifelong friendships she made at St. Catherine’s. One of her classmates was Mary Sandberg, who would eventually become her sister-in-law. In fact, Mary introduced Ann Boyer to her brother, whom Ann later married. And that's how Ann became Ann Sandberg!

Those nursing school friendships remained an important part of Ann's life for decades. Ann attended many St. Catherine's nursing class reunions over the years, traveling to cities across the country to reconnect with her classmates. Sometimes their husbands joined them, making the gatherings even more special. And even though Ann was no longer practicing nursing, she continued attending reunions into the early 2000s. Ann and Mary shared these special friendships, along with their family connection. The bonds formed during nursing school lasted a lifetime.

Nursing was also a family tradition. Mary's daughter Theresa, who was Ann's goddaughter, worked in healthcare as a respiratory therapist and later with therapy vests for patients with cystic fibrosis.

The nursing tradition continues through Mary's daughter Patti Jo, granddaughter Sarah, and daughter-in-law Marney. All three are nurses, with Sarah and Marney practicing in Rochester, Minnesota.
With so many nurses in the family, you might say nursing was simply in their blood!

There is a saying in our profession: "Once a nurse, always a nurse." Those words certainly describe Ann. Although her career eventually took her away from bedside nursing, she never lost pride in being a registered nurse. She treasured her nursing education, the friendships she made, and the special bond she shared with her fellow nurses.

Today, we honor Ann for the patients she cared for, her dedication to nursing, and the wonderful nursing legacy that continues through her family. Ann, thank you for answering the call to nursing and for the care you gave to others. It is our privilege to honor you and your service to the nursing profession.

We thank Ann’s family for inviting us to honor her. Nurses in attendance were Melissa, Sharon, Kathy, and Nancy. Thank you for honoring Ann and for your dedicated service to our honor guard.

10/17/2026

On Saturday, October 17, 2026, the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard paid tribute to Megan Adams, RN in Shorewood, WI.

Megan dedicated her life and career to caring for others. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee baccalaureate nursing program and received her RN license in February 2008.

Megan devoted her entire nursing career to emergency care, serving as an emergency room staff nurse first at Columbia St Mary’s Hospital, then at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center. Her final position was nurse supervisor in the VA emergency room, where her leadership and experience touched the lives of patients and colleagues alike.

Megan was known for her compassionate heart, calm presence in the most difficult moments, and quick wit that brought comfort and lightness to those around her.

Megan’s caring extended beyond the hospital setting. She was deeply involved in the community. Her caring and thoughtfulness reached, neighbors, teachers, parents, and anyone whose path she crossed.

Megan’s dedication to nursing and the kindness she shared with others will be remembered with deep gratitude. The lives she touched and the care she gave will remain a lasting part of her legacy.

Nurse Megan Adams, your work here is done. You have answered your Final Call to Duty. Rest peacefully now.

The WNHG would like to thank Megan’s family and friends for inviting us to honor her. Nurses present were Paula, Marcia, Edwina, Annette and Sarah. We thank them for their dedication to nursing and to our organization.

10/16/2026

On Friday, October 16, 2026, the WI Nurses Honor Guard paid tribute to Nurse Loraine “Lori” Casper, RN in Green Bay, WI.

Lori dedicated her life to caring for others. A graduate of the UW–Madison School of Nursing, Lori also earned her MBA from UW–Oshkosh, combining her nursing knowledge with an understanding of the administrative side of healthcare.

Throughout her career, Lori served in a variety of settings, including St. Mary’s in Green Bay, nursing homes, and Mirror Corporation in Two Rivers, where she worked as a employee health nurse. For the final 17 years of her career, she served at Aurora BayCare as a case manager in administration, including workers’ compensation. In every role, Lori brought her knowledge, skill, and commitment to helping others. She retired in the summer of 2025 after a long and
meaningful career in nursing.

Lori will be remembered for her caring heart, her devotion to family, and the many ways she made life better for those around her. The compassion she shared as a nurse and the love she
gave so freely will remain in the hearts of those whose lives she touched.

Today, the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard recognizes Nurse Lori Casper for her years of service and dedication to the nursing profession. We honor her commitment to caring for others and the
legacy she leaves behind.

Nurse Lori Casper, your work here is done. You have answered your Final Call to Duty. Rest peacefully, dear nurse. You will not be forgotten.

We would like to thank Lori’s family for inviting the WNHG to honor Lori at this time. WNHG nurses present were: Sue, Michele, Marie, Char, Jayne, Sheri, Marie, Gloria, and Becky. We thank these
nurses for their dedication to the profession of nursing and the WNHG.

10/15/2026

On Thursday, October 15, 2026 the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard celebrated the life and career of Jane Baszynski, RN in Madison, Wisconsin.

After graduating from St. Mary’s Nursing School in Madison, Jane began her career with the American Red Cross, traveling throughout Wisconsin to conduct blood donation drives. Her bond with the Red Cross lasted for many years through volunteer service, and she personally donated an extraordinary 18 gallons of blood. Jane gave in every sense of the word.

At Lutheran Hospital in Beaver Dam, Jane found special joy in caring for newborns and their mothers. She later served at Mendota and Madison General Hospital, bringing her skill, attentiveness, and reassuring presence to patients and families.
At Karmenta Nursing Home in Madison, Jane devoted herself to older adults. She worked both nights and days, trained dozens of nursing assistants, and often gave up her lunch break to make rounds with doctors. When a patient’s wishes needed to be heard, Jane had the courage to speak. The people in her care mattered deeply to her, and she worked to protect their dignity.

Retirement was never quite Jane’s way. At Wisconsin Cheeseman in Sun Prairie, she continued helping others as the company’s first-aid nurse. Across Madison, she became a familiar flu-shot nurse, administering thousands of vaccines. She also returned to Red Cross blood drives to care for donors and worked through Home Health Services, providing foot care to older adults in their homes.

Jane’s nursing did not end when the scheduled shift was over. In her own residential community, neighbors knew they could call on her whenever help was needed. She responded not for recognition, but because caring for people came naturally to her.

It is impossible to count all the lives made better by Jane’s care. Her hands welcomed newborns, comforted older adults, tended to blood donors, administered vaccines, and helped neighbors at home. Her voice taught new caregivers and advocated for patients. Together, those moments formed an extraordinary lifetime of service and love.

For more than 60 years, nursing was more than Jane’s profession; it was part of who she was. She noticed when someone needed comfort, spoke up when someone needed an advocate, and stepped forward whenever there was care to be given.

Nurse Jane, RN, your duty is complete. Your compassion, leadership, and service will not be forgotten. We thank you for your faithful commitment to nursing and to humanity. May you rest in eternal peace.

NHG Members in attendance were Jane, Sandy, Linda, Jane, Jana Lee, and Pam.

10/15/2026

On Wednesday, October 14, 2026 the WNHG gathered in Green Bay, WI to performed a tribute to the nursing career and legacy of Ann “Pinky” Betts. Ann was known simply as “Pinky” to the many people who loved her, worked beside her, and were fortunate enough to know her.

Pinky was a proud graduate of St. Joseph Academy. She began her nursing journey by earning her LPN and caring for residents in local nursing homes. Her commitment to learning and to her profession continued as she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Her nursing career spanned more than three decades, ultimately serving as a Supervisor with the Brown County Human Services Department.

Those who worked with Pinky remembered not only her nursing knowledge, but the nurse she was. One colleague, who was a new nurse when she first worked alongside Pinky, remembered looking up to her and described her as exceptionally knowledgeable. Another colleague remembered Pinky as a great psychiatric nurse—patient, kind, hilarious, tolerant, and always willing to help. She shared her knowledge, guided others through policies and procedures, and expected them to be accountable. She was the kind of nurse who made those around her better.

And beyond nursing, Pinky’s greatest gift was her heart. Friends and family described her as a beautiful soul whose laughter, generosity, cooking, conversations, and time around the dinner table created memories that will last for generations. One friend simply said, “Pinky’s heart was full of gold.”

Pinky was proud of her nursing profession, and her wish to have the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard present at her celebration of life reflects the meaning nursing held in her life.

Pinky, your Final Call to Duty has come.
You served your patients, your colleagues, your community, and your profession with knowledge, compassion, humor, and heart.
Your nursing family now salutes you.
Your watch is ended.
You are now relieved of duty.

Rest peacefully, Pinky.
We will remember you.

We would like to thank Nurse Pinky’s family for inviting the WI Nurses Honor Guard to honor Pinky’s nursing career. Nurse present for this service were: Carolyn, Susan, Mary, Diane, Paula, Kathleen, Christy and Amy. We thank these nurses for their dedication to the WNHG and the profession of nursing.

Address

P. O Box 321
Waukesha, WI
53187

Website

https://www.winurseshonorguard.com/

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