Barbara Ann Mills, 95, of Onalaska, WI passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the Onalaska Care Center.

Barb was born in West Allis, WI on January 22, 1931, to Harley and Cynthia (Johnson) Hostrawser.  The family moved to the Black River Falls area in 1944.  After graduating from Black River Falls High School in 1948, Barb moved to La Crosse.  That same year she was hired at Trane Company where she later met her loving husband Dale Mills.  They were married on May 28, 1960.

Barb had many interests and hobbies including roller skating, dancing, playing cards, camping, bicycling, snowmobiling, and bingo later in life.  She was very proud of her 47-year career at Trane Company.  She was a long-time billing department supervisor at Trane’s south La Crosse administration building.  After retiring she enjoyed the monthly lunches with former co-workers.  She said her favorite memories included time spent with family and attending her grandchildren’s many sporting events.

Barb is survived by her two children, Gayla Mills (Dave) of Austin, TX and Jeff Mills (Teresa) of Onalaska, WI, two grandchildren Kevin Mills of Franklin, WI and Andy Mills of Onalaska, step-grandchild Ryan Rozmenoski of La Crosse, sister-in-law Darlene Howstrawser of Black River Falls and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dale Mills, her parents Harley and Cynthia (Johnson) Hostrawser, five brothers: Price, Dean (Joan), Glenn (Vergene), her twin brother Allan (Mary Lou), and William (Darlene), four sisters: Pearl Heath (Francis), Janice Wesley (John), Joyce Hawley (Clayton), and Alice Hall (James).

A celebration of life will be held at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason Street Onalaska, WI, Thursday April 30th, 2026: Visitation 11:00-12:00, Service 12:00, and Luncheon follows.  Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.

Interment will take place in a private ceremony at the Onalaska Cemetery at a later date.

The family would like to commend everyone at the Onalaska Care Center where Barb lived for the last two years.  The entire staff was always so caring and friendly.  They really treated Barb like family.  Thank you all.