Joan Mildenberger

Joan E. Mildenberger, age 91, passed away on Monday, June 3, 2024, at Edenbrook Nursing Home in Wisconsin Rapids.
Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 10, 2024, at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service Monday at the funeral home.
Joan was born on October 15, 1932, in Attica, Indiana, to Robert and Inez (Barfell) Smith. Joan married James Lusk; together, they had one son and were married for four years until his passing in 1960. Joan later married James Mildenberger in August of 1973 in IL. They were blessed with 39 years of marriage until his passing on July 27, 2013.
Joan was a loving homemaker, dedicating her life to creating a space filled with love, warmth, and laughter. Her love for sewing and embroidery brought an artistic flair to her surroundings, while her passion for rocking and relaxing in her chair brought a sense of calm and tranquility.
Joan's fondness for angels was shown in her ever-growing collection. Her green thumb was noticeable in her cherished houseplants, each nurtured with the same love and care she extended to her family and friends. Joan's love for tradition was shared, especially during the holiday season. Her annual preparation of ham and pickled eggs every Easter and a turkey for Christmas ensured that her loved ones always had something special to look forward to. In her younger years, Joan enjoyed the simpler things in life, such as watching Hee Haw and the Lawrence Welk Show.
She also leaves behind beautiful memories of breakfasts with Marg and shared moments with her roommate, Cindy.
Joan is survived by her children: James (Sarah) Lusk of IL, Linda Brown of AZ, George (Pam) Mildenberger, Frank (Diane) Mildenberger, and Christine (Chad) Kubisiak, all of WI. She is also survived by many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husbands James Lusk and James Mildenberger, daughter Cindy Dryden, three sisters, and three brothers.
The family would like to thank the Eddenbrook Nursing Home and Compassus Hospice staff for their exceptional care.
Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.