Joan M. Mueller, 102, of Onalaska, Wisconsin, passed away on March 23, 2026, at Caretta Memory Care. She was born January 20, 1924, in London, England, to Frederick Erskine Cooper and Ada (Hearn) Cooper. She married the love of her life, Asa E. “Ace” Mueller, on April 14, 1945. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother, Norman Cooper, and her sister, Gladys Elmes.

Joan grew up in London and attended primary and secondary school before taking a typing course and beginning work at age fourteen. She was an accomplished violinist and played in her local orchestra.

As a young woman living in London during World War II, Joan went out one evening with friends and met a group of American soldiers stationed nearby—among them Asa “Ace” Mueller. Their meeting sparked a whirlwind romance that quickly led to a marriage on April 14, 1945, at the Register Office in the District of Willesden, England, just as Ace was preparing to ship out to France. Newly married, Joan waited more than a year to see him again while he completed his service and returned home to La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Ace arranged for Joan to travel to the United States by boat, a journey that took several weeks and brought her to Ellis Island. She often spoke of the excitement and rough seas she shared with many other young war brides. From there, she boarded a train to La Crosse, worried Ace might have second thoughts. He did not. He remained devoted to her, and together they built a life that lasted 64 years.

Joan and Ace enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, traveling, and dining with friends. Their home always included a beloved hunting dog—at least three of whom were named Babe because, as Joan joked, it was easier to remember. Joan was also a prolific gardener, tending two large gardens: one for flowers and one for vegetables. She loved baking bread, knitting, sewing, and oil painting. She never turned down a party or a chance to eat out with friends.

In her later years, Joan’s life grew quieter, but she cherished her annual January birthday celebrations with friends Dale and Patti Emery, Kim Buchanan and Al Krupicka, Tim and Tammy Franzini, Tom Jones, and Mary Gleason. She especially looked forward to her weekly Wednesday rides with Tom Jones, a longtime Brice Prairie neighbor, to visit the farm animals—particularly the peacock and an old dog named Rufus. Kim Buchanan and Joan were devoted walking partners for many years, enjoying countless walks with their dogs. Special thanks go to Jessie Easterday and Michelle Tilson, who befriended Joan and supported her in her health-related needs.

Patti and Dale Emery were lifelong friends to both Joan and Ace. Dale trained many of their hunting dogs and encouraged them to exercise their dogs on his land. Christmas Eve often began with a stop at Joan and Ace’s home to celebrate and exchange gifts. Many Sunday mornings were spent sharing coffee and conversation, with Dale always making extra bacon for Ace. After Ace passed away, Patti and Dale helped Joan maintain her independence for many years—supporting her at home and later in assisted living, celebrating her birthdays, shopping for groceries, taking her to appointments, and staying connected through frequent visits and calls.

Joan also treasured her extended family in Canada and Australia. She held a special place in her heart for her nephew and his wife, Vince and Kathy Cooper, who kept her updated-on family news in Australia through calls and letters and never missed her birthday.

Joan will be remembered for her warmth, her wit, her love of animals and nature, and the deep relationships that filled her long life.

Asa and Joan will be laid to rest together in a private ceremony at Oak Grove Cemetery in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in May.