Louise A. Sharpless

Akin to the wishes of her husband, Lou’s wishes for an obituary were simple: “Lou isn’t.” This doesn’t feel sufficient to honor the memory and legacy she created for those whose lives she touched.

Louise/Lou/Mom/Grandma/Grammy Lou/Lou-Lou was called home on February 26, 2026 while in the comfort of her home and surrounded by loved ones, after a well-fought battle with cancer. Although we grieve the loss of a selfless, loving woman, she would not want us to wallow in the lack of her presence; rather, delight and celebrate in the joy and love she brought to all of us.

Lou was born on February 12, 1957 in Brookfield, Wisconsin to Robert and Margaret (Seymour) Haeger. She graduated from Watertown High School in 1975 and Marian College in 1979. Dedicating her career to nursing, Lou spent parts of her career working for the Valley VNA and Theda Clark, eventually spending the majority of her career in her passion: hospice nursing. Lou spent several years with ThedaCare Hospice, helping others on their end of life journey and providing a new perspective to what may sometimes be a frightening and challenging event in our lives. She was named the Outstanding Nurse of the Year in 2020, retiring in 2021 after a 40-plus year career in nursing.

The love Lou poured into her family and the lasting impact she left on their hearts was how she wished to be remembered, rather than for her accolades or associations. Lou met the love of her life, Frank “Finney” Sharpless, after a simple invitation one night, shouted across the driveway: “Do you want to come over for a beer?” They married on April 28, 1984 and shared 34 years together before his passing in 2018. The greatest gift in Lou’s life were her children and grandchildren: Nick; Matt and his children: Cecilia, Archer, Nolan, and Bennett; Anna (Jeff) Buettner and their daughter Madigan; and Nate (Jenny Faris) and their son Shaker, sharing her gifts and love with them to create the most special memories.

Lou cherished the ability to share her talents with others. Her baking and cooking brought the most wonderful flavors and comfort. She sewed several of her children’s Halloween costumes and projects, teaching her daughter how to sew, holding steadfast as they experienced “clothes in minutes.” Perhaps the most wonderful gift was Lou’s talent for playing piano, filling the home with the most beautiful melodies and sharing the gift with her grandchildren. She exhibited the greatest patience as she taught Cecilia how to play, as well as when her grandchildren wanted to add some bass and melodies to her own music. Her ability to carry on playing when faced with setbacks – missing a page turn, hitting the wrong key, or a grandchild trying to cover the keys – spoke to her talent, but also to her own outlook on life and ability to see the positive in each situation, despite moments of challenges and sadness.

Left to also carry on Lou’s memory are her siblings: Bob (Cindy) Haeger, Mat (Peg) Haeger, Kris (Mark) Peters, Jean (Clint) Schildbach, Dan Haeger (Cindy Baker), Mike (Maureen) Haeger, Mary (Ron) Baumgarten, Chris (Lelia) Haeger, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and special friends Patty Wiese, Monica Skarban, and Linda Wortman.

Waiting to greet Lou upon her passing was her “Tweety Pie” Finney Sharpless, her parents, and her sisters-in-law, Julie and Kristi Haeger.

In accordance with Lou’s wishes, there will not be a funeral service. A celebration of life will be held on a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials or other sentiments of condolences may be directed to the Second Chance Garage Inc. or Music 6S - Fox Valley in Lou’s memory. Take the time to share your gifts with your family or to create memories together. Mom lived for this every day and valued the time and presence of her family over material items.

Lou’s family wishes to thank Jessica Drath with ThedaCare Hospice. It only seemed right that you were the one to help our family as Lou navigated the final chapter of her life. They would also like to thank the numerous support systems that provided invaluable support and comfort to each of us in Lou’s final days. Your kindness and compassion means more to all of us than you can imagine.

Cheers, mom! Say hi to dad for us and we can’t wait to hear you play piano again. We love you!