Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard

Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard Recognizing dedicated nursing professionals at the time of their passing through tradition and ceremony. Please contact us for more information.

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.

The Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard gathered in La Crosse, WI on Saturday, September 5, 2026 to honor Ruth Lois Hauge, RN. ...
09/06/2026

The Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard gathered in La Crosse, WI on Saturday, September 5, 2026 to honor Ruth Lois Hauge, RN.
Ruth was born in Minot, ND, and raised on the family farm in Drake, ND. Being raised on a farm taught her about hard work and appreciating nature. After high school graduation, she attended Trinity Nursing School in Minot, ND, graduating in 1952 with her sister. She married the love of her life, Hans "Bud" Hauge in 1952 and moved to Biloxi, MS where Bud was stationed in the Air Force until 1953. They moved to Buffalo, NY where she was employed as an RN from 1954 until 1956. Apparently, in those days, when a nurse was pregnant, she could only work until she "showed". Both daughters were born in Buffalo, then her career switched to "mom" and neighborhood nurse. She was also a nurse and companion to a neighbor who was bedbound for about 5 years. Ruth and Bud eventually moved to Glen Rock, NJ, where they lived until retiring in 1989. Ruth found other ways to serve. She was active in the Lutheran Church. After retiring, they traveled in their camper connecting with friends and family while enjoying the beauty of God's creation.
Nursing is a family calling. Ruth had an aunt who served in a MASH unit that followed General Patton into North Africa. Ruth and her sister graduated with their diplomas together. Ruth's daughter, Diane, is also a nurse, making the 3rd generation of Nurses in this family.
Nurse Ruth, your formal career may have been short in years, but you found many ways to show your love and care through your service to the church. Your love to your family, friends, and fellow humans was shown in many ways. You have earned your rest. Your brothers and sisters will take over from here.
The Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard thanks Ruth's family for inviting us to provide this final tribute for our fallen colleague. Nurses participating today include Kim, Kay, Sharon, Kym, and Kate. We thank them for their service and dedication to the nursing profession and the Honor Guard.

Sara Venzke, RN/DNP was honored on Saturday, September 5th in Elroy, WI by the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard for her dedi...
09/06/2026

Sara Venzke, RN/DNP was honored on Saturday, September 5th in Elroy, WI by the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard for her dedicated service to our profession.

Sara received her nursing degree from Western Wisconsin Technical College in 2006 and began her nursing journey at Mayo, where she served across multiple specialties. In every role, she brought skill, warmth, humor, and a deep respect for the dignity of every patient.

After conquering cancer in 2015, Sara chose to continue growing in service to others. She pursued her Doctorate Degree at Viterbo College, graduating in 2022 and becoming a Nurse Practitioner. She then continued her calling at Gundersen Hospital, now Emplify Health, in the Palliative Care Unit, where she provided passionate, thoughtful, and deeply meaningful care up until the time of her passing.

Sara was a beloved friend, coworker, RN, and DNP. She was known for her beautiful, infectious smile, her contagious laughter, her quick wit, and her bubbly spirit. Her presence brought comfort, joy, and brightness into the lives of those around her.

There are people who bring a light so great to the world that even after they are gone, their light remains. Sara was, and will always be, such a light.

As an extraordinary Nurse Practitioner, Sara had a rare gift for listening—not only to the words people spoke, but also to the things left unsaid. That gift made all the difference in the world. She met people in tender and difficult moments with grace, patience, and compassion.

It is said that Sara will remain unforgettable. Her service in Guatemala, her dedication to learning, and her growth into the role of nurse practitioner and person she became were gifts to witness. Many were privileged to know her and watch her become a healer whose impact reached far beyond any one place. Sara lived with energy, love, and a spirit that drew people close.

Sara, we honor the path you walked, the care you gave, the lives you touched, and the light you leave behind.

Nurse Sara, RN/DNP, 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 Natty, Angela, Marla, Jeni, Marie, and Beverly.

On Saturday, September 5, 2026, in Edgar, WI, the WI Nurses Honor Guard honored the life and nursing legacy of Louann M...
09/05/2026

On Saturday, September 5, 2026, in Edgar, WI, the WI Nurses Honor Guard honored the life and nursing legacy of Louann Miles, RN—a woman whose life was defined by service, independence, dedication, and a deep commitment to nursing.

Louann graduated from Luther School of Nursing in Eau Claire in 1960 and began her career as an operating room nurse at Luther Hospital.

In 1962, she joined the United States Air Force, serving as an operating room nurse. She was honorably discharged in 1964 with the rank of First Lieutenant. Her military service was one of the accomplishments she was especially proud of and wanted to be remembered for.

Louann continued her nursing career as a civilian nurse at Air Force hospitals around the country. She eventually transitioned from the operating room to Obstetrics, where she found another special calling.

In 1977, Louann moved to Wausau and continued her nursing career at St. Mary’s Hospital and later Aspirus Hospital, working in Labor and Delivery until 2001. She worked straight nights for 17 years, caring for mothers and babies while most of the community was sleeping.

Even after retirement, Louann wasn't quite finished with nursing. She continued working PRN in Labor and Delivery and later spent another seven years at Aspirus Clinics.

Louann was described as a phenomenal Labor and Delivery nurse. She caught countless babies and became well known throughout the Wausau community. She was a nurse whom families trusted and colleagues respected.

Louann was a stubborn and fiercely independent woman, and she knew what mattered most in life. She wanted to be remembered for three things:
Her service in the United States Air Force.
Being a really good nurse.
And being a grandma.

Those three things beautifully reflect Louann's life. She served her country, cared for countless patients and babies, and treasured her family.

The WNHG would like to thank Louann’s family for inviting us to honor her nursing career. WNHG nurses present were: Jan, Mary and Phyllis and Ruth. We thank these nurses for their dedication to the WNHG and the profession of nursing.

Donna Lilly, RN, was honored by the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard for her life and nursing career on Friday, August 28, 2...
09/05/2026

Donna Lilly, RN, was honored by the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard for her life and nursing career on Friday, August 28, 2026, in Wales, Wisconsin.

Donna began her nursing journey at Lutheran Memorial School of Nursing in Milwaukee and later continued her education, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing through Viterbo College.

Like so many nurses, Donna’s career took her in many directions. She began in the operating room before finding her calling in public health nursing, first in Marshfield and later in Wisconsin Rapids.

Donna was a passionate advocate for the health of her community and wasn’t afraid to tackle difficult challenges. She helped establish two significant programs: providing medical care to individuals in the local jail and developing an immunization program to serve an Amish community.

She was also a strong advocate for smoking cessation and participated in groundbreaking work conducted by the State of Wisconsin using to***co settlement funds to improve public health.

Donna was the kind of nurse who simply found a way to get things done, especially when someone needed her.

On one occasion, a stubborn, and perhaps frightened, gentleman needed to go to the hospital but refused to go unless Donna took him herself. So Donna did what she felt needed to be done: she put him in her car and made sure he received the care he needed.

Her problem-solving skills extended beyond patient care. During Donna’s years in public health, nurses were required to wear blue shoes. Unfortunately, finding the required shoes in Donna’s size proved difficult, and her supervisor was apparently rather particular about the dress code. Donna found her own solution: she took a blue magic marker to a pair of white shoes and created her own blue nursing shoes!

Retirement didn’t end Donna’s role as a nurse. As a resident at 3 Pillars, other residents continued to seek her advice whenever they had an injury or health concern. Once a nurse, always a nurse.

And nursing wasn’t Donna’s only gift. She loved to sing. Her voice could be heard throughout the hallways at 3 Pillars, and she even greeted her hospice nurse with a song each day.

One of Donna’s great joys was seeing the nursing tradition continue in her family. She was proud and excited to watch her grandson, Connor, enter the nursing profession.

Donna Lilly spent her career caring, advocating, problem-solving, and finding a way to help those who needed her. Her nursing legacy continues not only through the countless lives she touched, but now through the next generation of her family.

The Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard was privileged to honor Donna and recognize her many years of service to others. Nurse Donna Lilly, we thank you for your service and devotion to the nursing profession. You are now relieved of your nursing duties.

We kindly thank Donna's family for inviting us to honor her. WNHG members in attendance were Paula, Karen, Diane, Wendi, Suzanne, and Annette. They were joined for the tribute by Donna's cousin, Pam, who is a member of the Nurse Honor Guard in Nebraska.

Celebrating 10 Years of Honoring Wisconsin NursesThis year marks a very special milestone for the Wisconsin Nurses Honor...
09/04/2026

Celebrating 10 Years of Honoring Wisconsin Nurses

This year marks a very special milestone for the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard - 10 years of honoring nurses and the legacy they leave behind.

Over the past decade, our volunteers have had the privilege of honoring more than 750 Wisconsin nurses with a final tribute recognizing their years of service, compassion, and dedication to others.

750+ nurses.
750+ stories.
750+ lives devoted to caring for others.

Each tribute is a reminder that nursing is more than a career, it is a calling. We are deeply grateful to the families who have entrusted us with honoring their loved ones and to the dedicated volunteers across Wisconsin who make these tributes possible.

As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we look forward to continuing this meaningful tradition for many years to come.

To request a Nurses Honor Guard tribute or to learn more about volunteering with us, visit:
www.winurseshonorguard.com

Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard
Honoring those who answered the call to care.

The Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard traveled to Wauwatosa on August 29th, 2026 to honor the life and nursing career of Barb...
09/01/2026

The Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard traveled to Wauwatosa on August 29th, 2026 to honor the life and nursing career of Barbara Weihing RN.

Barbara devoted her life to nursing, education, and, above all, her family. Nursing was much more than a career for Barbara—it was a calling and an important part of who she was.

She began her nursing journey by graduating from Milwaukee County School of Nursing in 1965 with her RN degree. Her commitment to learning never stopped. Barbara believed strongly that education was important, both for herself and for the nurses she would eventually teach. She returned to school and earned her BSN from Alverno College in 1974, followed by her MSN from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 1982. Her dedication to continuing her education reflected the same commitment and determination that she brought to every part of her life.

Barbara spent many years working in the intensive care units at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Milwaukee. Working in the ICU requires knowledge, skill, compassion, and the ability to remain steady during some of the most difficult moments a family can experience. Barbara brought all those qualities to her work. She cared deeply about her patients and took great pride in being a nurse.

Her love of nursing also led her to become a nursing instructor at Milwaukee County Hospital’s School of Nursing, now part of Froedtert Memorial Hospital. There, she had the opportunity to share not only her knowledge and experience, but also her passion for nursing with the next generation of nurses. Teaching allowed her to make a difference that extended far beyond the patients she cared for directly.

Yet, as important as nursing was to Barbara, her family was at the center of her life. She was all about family; being there for them, supporting them, and sharing in the joys and challenges of life. Those who knew her will remember the love and devotion she had for the people closest to her.

Barbara leaves behind a remarkable legacy: a life dedicated to caring for others, a commitment to education, and a deep love for her family. She touched the lives of many through her work as a nurse and teacher, but perhaps her greatest legacy is the love she gave to her family and the memories she leaves with all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of caring, dedication, and love that will continue through the many lives she touched. Her dedication to nursing and her caring spirit will not be forgotten.

WNHG thanks the family of Barbara for inviting us to pay tribute to her. Volunteer members who participated in the service were Julie, Deb, Karen, Regina, Linda, and Paula. We thank them for their dedication to the nursing profession and our organization.

Roberta “Kay” Wagner, RN was honored on Monday, August 31st in West Bend by the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard for her ded...
08/31/2026

Roberta “Kay” Wagner, RN was honored on Monday, August 31st in West Bend by the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard for her dedicated service to our profession.

Kay graduated from nursing school in 1964, answering a call to care for others with steadiness and purpose. She began her nursing career at Northwest General in Milwaukee and went on to serve patients and families in hospitals in West Bend, Hartford, Hales Corners, and Menomonee Falls. Kay continued to enjoy nursing well into retirement, often sharing her knowledge at Serenity Villa, and was known to consider nursing jobs even at age 85. In each place, she brought not only her professional knowledge, but also the calm presence, capable hands, and generous heart that define the nursing profession.
Nursing is more than a career. It is a promise to meet people in moments of need, to offer comfort, to protect dignity, and to serve with courage and compassion. Kay honored that promise through her work and through the life she lived.

Kay was practical, creative, and determined—someone who could nurture a garden, prepare a meal, enjoy a good game, and even build the deck around her own home. These gifts tell us of a woman who cared deeply, worked hard, and met life with independence and grace.

On behalf of the Wisconsin Nurse Honor Guard, we recognize Kay’s years of nursing service and the legacy she leaves behind. We honor her commitment to healing, her compassion for others, and the quiet difference she made in the lives of those entrusted to her care.

On behalf of the Wisconsin Nurse Honor Guard, we recognize Kay’s years of nursing service and the legacy she leaves behind. We honor her commitment to healing, her compassion for others, and the quiet difference she made in the lives of those entrusted to her care.

Nurse Kay, 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.

WNHG Members in attendance were Annette, Kym, Edwina, Marcia, Pauline and Andrea.

Just had to share! We provided a birthday tribute honoring Patricia celebrating her 98th birthday!🎂 She shared with our ...
08/27/2026

Just had to share! We provided a birthday tribute honoring Patricia celebrating her 98th birthday!🎂 She shared with our members that her birthday wish was to go for a motorcycle ride! Our amazing members made that happen. Not sure who enjoyed the day more, Patricia or us! 🏍️

Beverly Oechler, LPN, was recently honored on August 24, 2026 by the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard for her life and nursi...
08/26/2026

Beverly Oechler, LPN, was recently honored on August 24, 2026 by the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard for her life and nursing career in Kenosha.

Beverly’s nursing journey began in the late 1940s or early 1950s, when she graduated from a hospital-based practical nursing program and became a licensed practical nurse. She found her passion in obstetrics and began her career at Kenosha Hospital, caring for mothers and their newborns.

In 1951, when her husband entered military service, Beverly moved with him to Texas, where she continued the work she loved as an LPN in obstetrics.

After returning to Wisconsin, Beverly stepped away from formal nursing to raise her five children—but she never truly stopped being a nurse. She became known as the “neighborhood nurse,” the person family, friends, and neighbors could turn to when someone was sick or injured, or simply needed the reassuring guidance of a nurse.

In the 1980s, Beverly renewed her nursing license and returned to professional practice at Jane Vernon Elementary School, working with children in its orthopedic program. The program provided specialized education, therapy, and supportive services for children with physical and other disabilities. Beverly cared for the children receiving these services, combining her nursing skills with the compassion and nurturing spirit that had been part of her throughout her life.

Beverly continued nursing until her retirement in the 1990s. Her career spanned many seasons. From caring for mothers and babies, to raising her own family, tending to her neighbors, and later caring for children with special needs.

Although her roles changed over the years, Beverly’s heart for caring for others never did. She was a nurse not only by profession, but throughout her life. And now, that legacy continues into another generation. Beverly’s great-granddaughter, Ana, is currently attending nursing school, carrying forward a tradition of caring that Beverly began more than seven decades ago.

We thank Beverly and her family for allowing the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard the privilege of recognizing her lifetime of service to others. Nurses Kim, Molly, Deb K., Deb D., and Suzanne had the honor of participating in Beverly’s tribute. Thank you for honoring our colleague and helping us celebrate a life of caring.

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P. O Box 321
Waukesha, WI
53187

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