Lana L. Mueller

PORTAGE  --  Lana L. (Markofski) Mueller, age 54, passed away on Friday, April 22, 2016. She was surrounded by family in a room full of love at Agrace Hospice in Madison.  

Lana was born on April 2, 1962, in Portage, the daughter of Richard and Betty (Ashley) Markofski. She graduated from Portage High School in 1980 and went on to marry the love of her life, William “Bill” Mueller, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Portage on June 25, 1983.

While Lana was a believer in working to live, not living to work, she was very passionate about the work she did and cared deeply for her colleagues. She worked at Economy Fire and Casualty from 1982 to 1994 and Wisconsin Reinsurance Corporation from 1995 until present.

Faith, family and friends may have been all Lana needed, but in her own words, she was blessed with much more. She loved to spend her weekends antiquing with her husband, sitting around a fire with family and friends, and shopping with her sisters. She was always looking forward to football season as it presented her with the opportunity to throw over-the-top Packer parties. She was good at creating and carrying on traditions, such as hosting her annual girls baking day at Christmas time.

Lana brought life to any room with her infectious laugh and smile. She reminded all of us to slow down and enjoy today, leaving everyone she knew with endless fond memories. She always knew that you beat cancer in the way you live your life, and she made sure that she went out on top. She was brave and determined with an unfathomable amount of strength.

Lana is survived by her husband Bill; her brother Dick “Chic” Markofski of Portage and his daughter Michelle Markofski; her sister Peggy (Brian) Martin of Portage and their son Phil (Karie) Martin; her twin sister Lori (Jim) Banks of Endeavor and their children Chris and Stacy Banks; her dear friend Joanne Alt of Portage and her special Teddy Bear puppy Bailey. She is further survived by many brother and sister in-laws, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Bill.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on Friday, April 29, 2016, from 4-8:00 p.m. at the Baraboo Arts Center, 323 Water St., Baraboo, with a brief informal service at 6:00 p.m. officiated by Chaplain Dan Pulsfus. Packer attire welcome. A private inurnment will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Lana and her family were thankful for her care teams and will continue to advocate until the day we find a cure. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the UW Carbone Cancer Center, 600 Highland Ave., K4/658, Madison, WI 53792, Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711, and the American Cancer Society.

The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.

“She made broken look beautiful and strong look invincible. She walked with the Universe on her shoulders and made it look like a pair of wings.” -Ariana Dancu