Joanna, you touched the lives of so many. I feel so lucky to work on your team and be your friend.

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

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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."