Louann Joyce Miles

Louann Joyce Miles, of Edgar, passed away on August 23, 2026, under Compassus Hospice Care.

She was born on March 21, 1939, in Wausau, daughter of the late Louis and Erna (Zirbel) Baumann. She graduated in 1960 from Luther School of Nursing in Eau Claire. In 1962, she joined the US Air Force where she served as an operating room nurse. She was honorably discharged in 1964, with the rank of First Lieutenant. 

After working as a civil service nurse at multiple locations throughout the United States, Louann moved to Wausau in 1977. There she continued her nursing vocation at St. Mary’s Hospital and later at Aspirus Hospital, where she worked until retiring in 2001. Even then, retirement did not keep her away for long, as she went on to work for Aspirus Clinics for an additional seven years before her final retirement.

Beyond her professional life, Louann gave generously of her time and talents in the life of the church. She was an organist for 70 years, beginning at the age of 12. She played piano and organ at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wausau and at St. John Lutheran Church in Edgar. Her service also included directing choir, teaching Sunday School, and participating in women’s groups at both churches. Music, faith, and service were enduring threads in her life.

Louann’s family was at the center of her heart. She loved her two daughters and her grandchildren dearly and took great joy in keeping up with their lives. She was also known for the simple pleasures that brought her happiness, including mowing the lawn so enthusiastically that she embraced the email name “old lawn lady.”

She is survived by her daughters, Laurie (Mike) Sturzenegger of Edgar, and Elizabeth Miles (Alan Ksionek) of Denver, Colorado; her grandchildren, Jarret Miles-Kroening of Madison and Kylie Miles-Kroening of Minneapolis, Minnesota; step-granddaughter Cassie Ksionek of Denver, Colorado; three nephews, David (Melanie) Ringle, Bradley (Jane) Walters, and Keith (Tammy) Walters; her niece, Lisa (Rob) Swan, and niece and goddaughter, Debra (Keo) Mills. Loaunn is also survived by many dear friends; especially Merri Miles-Kroening, MJ Horvat and Mary Jo Werner.

In addition to her parents, she was further preceded in death by her sisters, Delores Ringle and Mary Walters, and by her niece, Cindy Niklinski.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church-ELCA, 120500 County Rd. N, Edgar, WI.  Pastor Tiffany Chipman will officiate.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the church.  Burial will take place following the service in the church cemetery, where military honors will take place. 

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared at ascendweston.org.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. John Lutheran Church, 120500 County Rd. N, Edgar, WI 54426, or to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 930 Edgewood Rd. Wausau, WI 54403, in her memory.

Louann's family extends their heartfelt thanks to Compassus Hospice for their care, and to Pastor Tiffany Chipman for her loving support during this difficult time.