As much as I dislike my yearly physicals (many years), I looked forward to seeing Dr. Ruchala every time. A "straight shooter" and a competent physician, I felt like she took good care of my concerns. I most enjoyed our conversations about her family trips. From walking up Lombardi street, seeing a momma bear and her cubs to playing trivia in Estes Park, her stories always brought a smile (and a chuckle) to her face (and mine). My condolences. Becky Oliva
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Dear Family of Dr. Ruchala,
I have been a patient of Dr. Ruchala's for over 20 years and am so saddened to learn of her passing. She was so kind and compassionate and always willing to help me through whatever I needed. Her smile always brightened the room. May your memories carry you through this difficult time. She will be missed.
Cheri Pasch
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We are so saddened to hear of your family's loss. Please know you continue to be in our thoughts. In our brief meetings with Joanna, she was so kind. It was a pleasure to have known her.
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I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Ruchala. She was my primary doctor for more than 15+years, and I feel incredibly grateful to have known her. I'll always remember our conversations about our kids and how much she genuinely cared. She made a lasting difference in my life and will be deeply missed. With Sympathy, Christine
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I got to work with Joanna as her nurse for the last 6 years. She was a wonderful, colleague and her patients were so grateful for the wonderful care that she provided. I hear every day from patients how much they will miss her and how grateful they were for the wonderful care they received over the years. She would always share stories with me about her family trips and the accomplishments of her children. She was so proud of Colin, Miles and Allison. I feel so lucky to have gotten to know her and will miss her.
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Ken, I was so deeply sorry to hear about Joanna’s passing. I can only imagine how much she will be missed. My heart truly goes out to you and your kids during this incredibly difficult time. I hope you’re surrounded by love and support, and that you’re able to find moments of comfort and strength in the days ahead. Thinking of you and your family.
Jodi Pachal
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I’m so sorry to hear of Dr. Ruchala’s passing. She was my doctor for 16 years and always showed incredible kindness, compassion, and care.
My thoughts are with her husband and three children. She made a difference in so many lives and will be deeply missed.
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I am deeply saddened to hear of Dr Richala passing. She was not only my beloved Physician but I was one of her receptionist at UW Health for many years. She will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to have had her in their life. RIP Dr Richala I will miss you.
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We were very shocked and greatly dismayed to learn that Dr. Ruchala is no longer with us. As the joint primary care physician for my wife and I all these years, she always displayed dedicated professionalism is all aspects of her interactions with us. We can't thank her enough and will never forget her.
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I'm stunned and deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Ruchala's passing. She had been my PCP for over ten years, and as strange as it sounds, I always looked forward to doctor's appointments with her because she was so enjoyable to talk to. Very warm and kind, but also professional. I never felt like she was rushing through appointments, and she listened intently. My condolences to her family on this tremendous loss.
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I have read each of the kind messages acknowledging memories of Joanna. They are a comfort to me. As her proud father I would like to record some of her many achievements. She was a 4.12 GPA graduate of Whitefish Bay High School, the third in her class. She went on to earn a B.S. in physics from Miami of Ohio and an M.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin. After working as an engineer she enrolled again, this time to earn the necessary credits in pre-med to enter med school. There was no individual ranking in the Madison Medical School, but whenever they gave an award or acknowledgement of the top five or ten for scholarly performance, her name was among them. Recently she earned the position of full professor. I am especially proud of her because she chose to use her medical knowledge to help others, both patients and medical students.
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I'm so sorry to hear of Joanna's passing. I was a patient of hers for years, maybe even from the beginning of her time with UW Health. I watched her grow in her practice and felt so fortunate to have such a wonderful and thoughtful physician. She will be deeply missed. I will hold all of you in my prayers.
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Please accept my deepest and most sincere condolences on Joanne's passing away. I have know her since she was a resident and sent many patients to her. I respected her as a doctor a colleague, and a friend. I am so very sorry for your loss. There are no words to ease the pain. Please know that I care and will include Joanne in my prayers.
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I am sending the most heartfelt condolences to you. Doctor Ruchala will always be remembered by me with great respect. She helped me receive an early diagnosis of a serious illness and will always be a part of my story. I am incredibly sad that she has passed. She made a tangible positive impact on people's lives and her community. I just thank you all for sharing her with us.
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I have been overwhelmingly sad to hear of Joanna’s passing. We Schulze girls grew up with lots of visits with the Randalls (our mom Lois having been a childhood friend of Bonny’s, parlayed into a long-lasting connection between families). I remember so clearly the house in Whitefish Bay, and playing upstairs or in the backyard as little kids—before life got more complicated and took us in different directions, with many fewer points of contact. We foolishly take for granted that vibrant people should not be lost in the prime of life. Yet, our mom passed at far too young an age, too, such that I so acutely sense the impact of this loss. Heartfelt condolences to Joanna’s family (Bonny, Jerry, Charlie, Kenneth and kids, and loved ones) and friends. Sending prayers for comfort and strength, thinking of you all, and appreciating Joanna’s legacy.
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Losing someone you love is incredibly painful. May you find peace in the words of Psalm 34:18, which reminds us: "Jehovah is near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves."
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