Lou Ann (Hirschinger) Ward, nee Marquardt

Lou Ann (Hirschinger) Ward, nee Marquardt, of Baraboo, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully November 6, 2025 of dementia, among other natural causes at the age of 89.

To all who knew her, Lou Ann was the kindest, most gracious and loving person that her family, friends, and community were blessed to know and cherish. Her selfless character preceded her in every pursuit of her life. Her true passion was serving others, and that was apparent in all the ways she served those around her.

Lou Ann graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with her teaching degree in 1958 and would often talk very fondly of her days at the University. She went on to teach in Milwaukee for one year, in Portage for two years, and eventually became the daycare director at Children's Day Center in Baraboo. Throughout her years, she touched many children's lives. From 1992 to 2008, she was very involved in the Baraboo Public Library on the board. She was of great service to them and greatly enjoyed her work there.

She married her first husband, John Hirschinger on March 28, 1959 and would go on to live a wonderful life in the white house on 8th Avenue, a compassionate, caring mother to her children. Lisa and Mark have very fond memories with both their parents, from family vacations, to family get-togethers with Lou Ann's delicious cooking. They often speak of how amazing of a childhood they both had, thanks to their parents, and the wonderful memories associated.

She married her second husband, Joe Ward, whom she met at Circus World Museum in 2000, thanks to her oldest grandchild Nicole (ask the family about the story, it is adorable!). He would go on to be her grandchildren's surrogate grandfather, as John was unable to be that role due to his passing. Our family has many wonderful memories of holidays and time spent with both Joe and Lou Ann, and will cherish them forever.

Lou Ann's hobbies included spending time with her friends in PEO, Bridge group, and time with her family. She was an avid cookie baker, and you could always count on her sprinkle cookies and toffee bars gracing any event she attended or hosted. She was a very talented knitter, knitting her grandchildren their ornate Christmas stockings. She was also a chocolate lover, and her grandchildren lovingly called her "Grandma Hershey." Most of all, she will always be remembered by her profound grace and kindness to anyone fortunate enough to have met her.

Lou Ann is survived by her children, Lisa (Brian) and their children, Nicole (Zach), Savanna (Chase), Joelle, and Mark (Ingrid) and their children, Sonja, Luke, and Zack. Lou Ann is preceded in death by her mother and father, Frank and Hazel; brothers, Russ, Bob, Dick; her first husband and her children's father, John; her second husband, Joseph "Joe", who is survived by his children, Wayne (Sheryl), Bryan (Joyce), and Jody (Jana). She is also preceded in death by many special extended family members, including in-laws. As a family, we are sure she was looking forward to meeting all our wonderful family again in heaven.

In lieu of flowers, the family of Lou Ann wishes to remember her with generous memorials to Brighton Hospice-Madison, First United Methodist Church of Baraboo, and PBS Wisconsin. The family also plans to purchase a bench at Devil's Lake State Park, to always remember our deep family roots and traditions there.

Our family would like to thank the incredible staff at Cardinal View Senior Living and Brighton Hospice, for their kind, compassionate care and love for Lou Ann. A special thank you to Sarah Servais, RN at Cardinal View and Amy, Lou Ann's caregiver, for all their love, kindness and support for our family.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at First United Methodist Church in Baraboo with Pastor Diana Lucas officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Baraboo. 

Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home in Baraboo is assisting the family.