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.

On Tuesday, June 9, 2026 the WNHG paid tribute to the life and career of Ione Kern, LPN in Rice Lake WI. After graduatin...
06/10/2026

On Tuesday, June 9, 2026 the WNHG paid tribute to the life and career of Ione Kern, LPN in Rice Lake WI.

After graduating from Westfield High School in 1953, Ione entered nursing school and began a career dedicated to caring for others.

Ione started her nursing career in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, caring for newborn infants during some of their most vulnerable moments. She later became a dedicated night-shift nurse, providing skilled care, comfort, and reassurance throughout the overnight hours when patients often needed it most.

Following years spent supporting her husband's Air Force career and raising her family, Ione returned to nursing and worked in several nursing homes throughout northwestern Wisconsin. Whether caring for newborns at the beginning of life or older adults in their later years, she brought compassion, dedication, and professionalism to every patient she served.

Nursing was not simply a profession for Ione, it was a lifelong commitment to helping others. That spirit of service extended beyond her work, as she donated an extraordinary 80 gallons of blood during her lifetime, continuing to give to patients and families she would never meet.

Through her years of nursing service, Ione touched countless lives with her kindness, skill, and compassionate care. Rest easy Nurse Ione, your sisters and brothers in nursing have it from here.

We thank Ione's family for inviting us to honor her. Nurses in attendance were Jenny, Kris, Sharon, Kathi, and Marlene. We thank them for their dedication to nursing and our organization.

The Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard was at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Neenah, WI on June 9, 2026 to provide a fin...
06/09/2026

The Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard was at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Neenah, WI on June 9, 2026 to provide a final tribute for Mary "Patty" Patricia Radford, RN. Patty graduated from the College of Nursing at Marquette University in 1954, graduating at the top of her class. She earned a BSN. She worked for 2 years at St. Elizabeth's hospital in Appleton. Because she was married to a doctor, she was able to stay at home to raise their 6 children. After a divorce, she went back to work at St. Elizabeth's hospital for a few years. She met Bill Radford and they married in 1977, blending her 6 children with his 5 children, making a lively family of 11 children. Needless to say, Patty was busy "nursing" her own family at this time. Her daughter, Kathleen, indicated that Patty and Bill were married for 50 years. Even though Patty wasn't employed as a nurse for very many years, she identified as a nurse her whole life. She kept her RN license until she was almost 88 years old! She was ready to offer comfort and aid to her friends and family members when needed.

Kathleen also recalls that Patty and the family did volunteer work as Patty was president of the medical auxiliary fir many years. She remembers folding bandages for the war effort. Patty was also active in other service organizations in Oshkosh and Naples, FL where she and Bill spent half of the year for the last 20 years.

Nurse Patty, you served the nursing profession, your family and the volunteer organizations you were associated with well. It is now time to rest in eternal peace and join your family members who have gone before you. Rest well. Your brothers and sisters will take over from here.

The Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard would like to thank Patty's family for inviting us to provide this final tribute to our fallen colleague. Those nurses present today include Michele, Marcia, Jayne, Patricia, Betty Jo, Mary, and Char. We thank them for their dedication to the nursing profession and to our organization.

We were pleased to present at the Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association meeting this morning. We sincerely appreciate ...
06/09/2026

We were pleased to present at the Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association meeting this morning. We sincerely appreciate being invited to attend and speak with our colleagues.

Many thanks to Jane, Bev, Deb, Kym, Kathy, and Kelly for representing us.

On Saturday, June 6, 2026 the WNHG paid tribute to the life and career of Mildred “Peg” Scherlin, RN in Eau Claire, WI.P...
06/07/2026

On Saturday, June 6, 2026 the WNHG paid tribute to the life and career of Mildred “Peg” Scherlin, RN in Eau Claire, WI.

Peg answered the call to nursing at a remarkably young age, beginning her career in her early twenties and dedicating the next 35 years to caring for others with compassion, intelligence, and grace.

She attended the University of Toronto in and cared for patients at the Hospital for Sick Children from 1943-1946. She received her certificate in 1947 and was registered to practice nursing in Ontario Canda, the State of Illinois, and the State of Wisconsin. She began her career in home health in 1948 with the VNA in Evanston, IL.

Her nursing journey led her to the Chippewa County Health Department beginning in 1962. In 1986, she became the Director, where she served for 17 years in a leadership role helping to develop and implement home care and public health programs at both the local and state levels. Peg believed deeply in meeting people where they were, offering not only skilled care, but also comfort, dignity, and reassurance.

Peg’s life reflected the very heart of nursing, quiet strength, unwavering compassion, and a servant’s heart. She continued her service to others after retirement by assisting in her faith community, and by offering a listening ear and kind encouragement to everyone around her.

At 100 years young, Nurse Peg leaves behind not only a remarkable nursing legacy, but also a powerful example of faith, resilience, and a life devoted to caring for others.

As Peg’s earthly watch has ended, her light remains, a lasting symbol of the compassion, comfort, and care she so freely gave throughout her life.

We kindly thank her family for inviting us to honor her.
WNHG members in attendance were Jenny, Katelynn, Kim, and Dena. We thank them for their compassionate service to our organization and for honoring our colleague, Mildred “Peg” Scherlin.

On Friday, June 6, 2026 the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard gathered in Milwaukee to pay tribute to the life and career of ...
06/05/2026

On Friday, June 6, 2026 the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard gathered in Milwaukee to pay tribute to the life and career of Clara Rene Collins, LPN.

Clara graduated from Wenonah State Vocational Trade School in Bessemer, Alabama in 1959, earning her Licensed Practical Nursing credential. Shortly thereafter she married and moved to Milwaukee, WI where she dedicated more than four decades of her life to the nursing profession, providing compassionate care and unwavering service to countless patients.

Over the course of her career, Clara served in several respected Milwaukee healthcare institutions, including Mount Sinai Hospital, St. Michael’s Hospital, Nicolet Hospital and St.Mary’s Hospital. Her nursing experience spanned a variety of areas: Med/Surg, Medical Intensive Care, the Burn Unit, and Medical/ Gynecological Oncology. Known affectionately as a “night nurse”, Clara spent much of her career working third shift, providing skilled and compassionate care during the hours when patients often needed comfort and reassurance most.

Clara’s longest tenure was at St. Mary’s Hospital, where she devoted 29 years of service before retiring in 2002. Throughout her career she earned the respect of colleagues and patients alike for her professionalism, dedication and commitment to excellence in nursing.

Beyond her clinical work, Clara was an active member of both the Milwaukee Chapter and National Black Nurses Association. Her legacy extends beyond her own accomplishments. Inspired by her example of service, compassion and perseverance, her daughter, Sylvia, followed in her footsteps and also became a nurse, continuing the family’s commitment to caring for others.

Nurse Clara, your decades of service, leadership and mentorship have left a lasting impact on the patients, colleagues and family members whose lives you have touched. Rest easy now, your nursing brothers and sisters will carry on in your stead.

The WNHG thanks Clara’s family for inviting us to honor her. Nurses present were Annette, Kathy, Edwina, Wendi, Suzanne and Julie. We thank them for their dedication to the nursing profession and to our organization.

On Thursday, June 4, 2026, the WI Nurses Honor Guard gathered in Green Bay, WI to honor and remember Cheryl Bader, RN a ...
06/05/2026

On Thursday, June 4, 2026, the WI Nurses Honor Guard gathered in Green Bay, WI to honor and remember Cheryl Bader, RN a nurse whose life was defined by compassion, dedication, courage, and faith.

Cheryl's nursing journey began before she even graduated from high school. She completed the CNA program through NWTC in December 1975. After graduating from high school in 1976, she continued her nursing education and earned her nursing degree from NWTC on January 19, 1978.

Just one month later, Cheryl began her career at St. Mary's Hospital, where she faithfully served patients and families for 37 years. Throughout her career, she cared for others on the medical floor, surgical unit, family birthing center, and emergency department. She also shared her skills and compassion as a nurse at the Green Bay Correctional Institution. Even after retiring from St. Mary's, Cheryl continued serving others through Aurora Urgent Care for several more years, bringing her nursing career to more than 42 years of dedicated service.

Her commitment to nursing was unwavering. Even during Wisconsin snowstorms, Cheryl was determined to reach her patients, at times traveling by snowmobile to ensure they received the care they needed.

Cheryl's nursing care extended far beyond the workplace. She was known as the family's nurse, always ready with advice, reassurance, and practical wisdom. If a family member complained that something hurt, Cheryl's response was often, "Suck it up, Buttercup—you'll be fine." Behind those words was a nurse who knew when comfort was needed and when a little toughness could help someone move forward.

Today, we honor Cheryl's lifelong commitment to caring for others and give thanks for the countless lives she touched through her kindness, compassion, and healing hands.

We would like to thank Cheryl’s family for inviting us to honor Cheryl for this special tribute. WI Nurses Honor Guard nurses present were: Chris, Lynette, Carolyn, Janet and Marcia. We thank them for their dedication to the profession of nursing and the WNHG.

May 30, 2026 the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard traveled to Brookfield to honor Betty Couillard RN.Betty was a proud gradu...
06/01/2026

May 30, 2026 the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard traveled to Brookfield to honor Betty Couillard RN.

Betty was a proud graduate of the Bellin School of Nursing, where she earned her RN degree in 1962 and began a lifelong calling of compassion and service. Betty dedicated her nursing career to caring for others, first at Winnebago Mental Health Institute and Waukesha Memorial Hospital in medical-surgical nursing, before pausing her career to devote herself to raising her family.

When she returned to nursing, Betty found her true passion in caring for the elderly at River Hills West Nursing Home, where she faithfully served for 27 years in many roles, ultimately becoming Assistant Director of Nursing Services and serving in that role for several years before retiring in 2011. Betty never left work until she knew everything was done and her patients were cared for, no matter how late the hour. Nursing was not simply her profession: it was her calling.

Betty believed deeply in helping the elderly live safe, dignified, and beautiful lives in their final years. Even during her own hospice care, Betty remained a nurse at heart, continuing to educate and guide the nurses and CNAs caring for her. Her love of nursing also inspired the next generation, as her daughter Alicia proudly followed her into the nursing profession, continuing the compassionate legacy Betty began.

She truly was a nurse to the very end, and her legacy of compassion, dedication, and service will continue to inspire all who knew her.

The Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard thanks Betty’s family and friends for inviting us to pay tribute to her nursing career. Guard members participating in the service for Betty included: Mary, Kathy, Sue, Deborah, Annette, and Jean. We thank them for their dedication to our organization and the nursing profession.

On Saturday, May 30, 2026, the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard had the privilege of participating in the welcome home celeb...
06/01/2026

On Saturday, May 30, 2026, the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard had the privilege of participating in the welcome home celebration for the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight Mission #86. What an amazing experience!

This special flight carried 52 veterans, ranging in age from 66 to 98, on a journey to honor their service and sacrifice to our nation. Among them were four remarkable nurses whose lives have been defined by service to others.

With 19 Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard members in attendance, we were honored to welcome home and recognize:
Helene Browne
Gayle Hunter
Karen Stahovic
Barbara Vahovick

These extraordinary veterans devoted themselves to serving others, both in uniform and through their dedication to caring for those around them throughout their lives. Their stories remind us that service does not end when military duty concludes; it continues in countless ways through compassion, commitment, and a willingness to help others.

As they returned home to the cheers of family, friends, and supporters, we were reminded of the freedoms we enjoy because of the sacrifices made by generations of veterans. It was a moving and patriotic day filled with gratitude, pride, and respect.

To all veterans, and especially these four honored nurses, thank you for your service to our nation and for the difference you have made in the lives of so many. It was our privilege to welcome you home.

❤️🤍💙
Our sincere thanks to Stars and Stripes Honor Flight personnel for their dedicated work to honor our veterans, and for inviting us to attend this special tribute.

On May 30, 2026 the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard gathered in Wausau, WI to pay tribute to the life and career of Hilda L...
05/31/2026

On May 30, 2026 the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard gathered in Wausau, WI to pay tribute to the life and career of Hilda LaBelle, RN.

Hilda was a dedicated registered nurse whose career reflects a lifelong commitment to compassionate care and professional experience. She graduated with honors from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Rochester, Minnesota where she completed her training from July 1953 to July 1956.

Following graduation , Hilda began her nursing career as a staff nurse at Jackson County Hospital in Maquekota, Iowa. She continued her clinical experience at Riverside Hospital in Kankakee, Illinois and later at St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Her leadership skills led her to serve as supervisor in the Sheboygan Retirement Home, where she oversaw nursing staff and ensured quality care for residents.

Hilda also expanded her professional experience beyond the Midwest while working as a staff nurse in the psychiatry department at Duke University Medical Center. She worked there from 1886 to 1996, when she retired.

Throughout her career, Hilda demonstrated dedication, compassion, and a strong commitment to patient wellbeing across a variety of settings.

Hilda’s granddaughter, Jessica, found a letter in Hilda’s jewelry box that was written by a patient. The letter exemplifies Hilda’s dedication to her patients. The letter reads: “Hilda, thank you for being with me tonight. It was hard to do, but with your support I got thru it. I know it’s not over, but I sure do like having you on my side. You are a very caring and loving person. You are a super nurse! Thanks again.”

Nurse Hilda you have served your patients with care, skill and compassion. You are relieved of your earthly duties, your nursing sisters and brothers will take it from here.

The Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard thanks Hilda’s family for inviting us to pay tribute her. Nurses present were Ruth, Sue, Chuck, Phyllis and Kay. We thank them for their dedication and service to our organization.

Address

P. O Box 321
Waukesha, WI
53187

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard:

Shortcuts

Share

Category