Joyce Rulseh

"What's that?" Childish laughter and giggling could be heard through the trees. Rasps of blades clanking in the distance. Squinting to see.....the mists..... begin to part. A visage? A nymph? Behold, the vision of a pretty, dark hair little girl comes into focus who must be about 10 years old. Skating and swirling and laughing. Oh, an attempt at a twirl. Soon a triple sow kow. Hypnotic....silent gliding. Good one! Falling, laughing. Done as only a ten-year-old could do, dreaming of Olympic Gold. Who was this nymph, this innocent, this sprite? In order to discover it, we'll have to go back 10 years to March 20, 1946, coincidentally the inaugural of the spring season. Then, we'd discover the apple of her mother's eye....the birth of little Joycie.

As she grew, she skated, and laughed and played. As life greeted her, she began to plan her future, a future of seeking new experiences and helping others. Sharing life with all her friends at Lincoln High School where she donned poodle shirts and bobby socks was such a great experience that she loved revisiting the old memories at the reunions. Well wishes to all of you. Her thoughts began to gel early, in her middle teens, as she planned diligently to put herself through school by working at the popular local pizzeria. She was an instant hit with the customers. That laugh. As she grew she began to develop a real fondness for children.....a symbiosis with them perhaps, merging her curiosity, innocence, and wonder with theirs. She decided to follow her instincts and become an elementary school teacher. Graduating from The County Teachers College with academic honors, she was quickly hired in the West Bend, Wisconsin parochial school system. Boxes of cards and letters and posters made by the kids in her classes are a true testimony to her dedication and love of helping them achieve their best. To her students who might have a chance to read this, she would from time to time go through your items and fondly remember your thoughts, and she would laugh out loud. She would occasionally draw a tear. As her husband, let me thank you all. I ran across one of her former students and he told me, "Tell Miss Rulseh-I don't know if she knew it or not, but the boys in class always wanted to date you and the girls always wanted to be you." Imagine those classes!

As opportunities increased she found herself moving across the state to a small city outside of Eau Claire, where she lived in a creaky old mansion built 1860 with her little Scottie dog. As she was building her career, she began to mysteriously lose weight. Imperceptibly at first, but the loss continued growing in rapidly. Visitations and appointments with up to 5 local doctors produced no real diagnosis and finally her mother, Luella, demanded to intervene and to take her to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Mn. By this time, she had fallen to 67 pounds and even at 5'6" this presented a shocking image. Treated expertly by the doctors at Mayo Clinic, placed in a module where all the specialties examined her, she received a devastating diagnosis of Crohn's Disease. This may have been one of the earliest diagnoses in her area, and it was beautifully addressed by the experts at the Mayo Clinic. At this time, she was only 29 years old, and she was told she would never work again. In consultation with the experts at the Mayo Clinic, she gradually began to gain weight and, through dietary changes, began to control the deleterious effects of Crohns on her system. Incidentally, the treatment plan composed by the Mayo Clinic was what she followed for the rest of her life. Effective. Simple. Innovative. As her strength gradually returned, she decided to file for disability jobs initiatives which would allow for and accommodate her ongoing treatments. Nothing was going to hold this girl back or keep her down. Soon she found herself working up to 35 hours a week managing a State of Wisconsin facilities store, dealing with customers and employees alike, ordering and dealing with vendors. Think about it: Less than a year ago she was told she would never work again. Even her docs at Mayo were impressed with her resilience.

Then she met her later- to- be husband. He saw her from across the room....flashing doe eyes, that laugh! This one he'd have to meet. So, he asked her for a date. Her response, "I'll have to think about it. So, she did. For six months. Every day. (Little did he know that there had been a current boyfriend who needed a little nudge to be on his way). Her husband had discovered that spark, the innocence so rare in todays world, which swirled within her and would sometimes escape to lift those of a more cynical nature. They connected and had a beautiful candlelight dinner next to a moonlit lake. And thus, began the journey. Opportunity beckoned once again and she (er, I mean, they.... he was always swept into her wake) were off to Madison, where she took a new position. Regaining strength, she welcomed new challenges. Dutifully helping others with disability issues, she moved into Social Security Disability support, where she helped to process appeals and accounts, learning of clients' struggles and victories along the way. Quickly she moved into the University setting again, this time managing student employees from around the world in the communications area. Tales from them of faraway places had her pining to try her hand at broader travel. Preparation and in anticipation of "seeing the world", this little rascal entered herself in four Syttende Mai walking marathons where she completed them all, increasing her efficiency and time with each succeeding event. Now she was ready. Out she went with her husband. First to the American west, where she regularly hiked into the mountains, many of these "excursions" ending up being 18 "milers" round trip. Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon....these and many more have her footprints all over them. And in the remote back county too. En route to the west, trips were punctuated by skiing in Aspen, Lake Tahoe and Independence Pass, finding the old BLM maps and going to now undisclosed ghost towns. A bunch of trips to Europe had her hiking the challenging Alps throughout Austria and Germany. Sailing on Tegernsee in Bavaria provided a relaxing counterpoint to the rigors of the climb. Visits with her husband's sister, Karen and mother in law Helga and her husband Bob found themselves discovering the back areas and mysteries of the Ozarks. Caravanning with Brothers Joe and John, sisters in law Mary and Johns wife, little Bon-Bon, found themselves shooting across 2 and 1/2-foot waves on Jet Skis on Table Rock Lake in 45 mile an hour winds. If you ever get the chance, check out the Thorne Crowne Chapel, completely fashioned of 2"x4"'s, it's the embodiment of what Goethe spoke of when he said that, "Architecture is Frozen Music." The annual get together with Merlin and Lillian, Jackie (get rid of that six cylinders and get a 12 for Pete's sake, or relinquish and go electric), Diane and Carol, Tim and the "Always Ready for Prime Time (and ribs) Clan" was a special lift each fall. For months she looked forward to seeing everyone. Trips around the country exploring historical sites from the 17th and 18th Century, Joycie found herself replicating "the Look" with period furniture and antiques culminating in a piece by piece representation of the Metropolitan Museum of Arts "American Wing." (Another 42-room addition and she could be on to Winterthur) To all of you in "the business": Salute. Never let your sense of discovery and wonder leave you. Keep reanimating history. So, for Joyce, never work again? Hmmm. Right. And on these trips, when she met others who were challenged by health issues, she always made time to hear their struggles and to tell the stories of her experiences. And people left visiting her hopeful, positive and even driven to prevail, even in the face of daunting odds. Letters over the years show how important it was from each of them to share these victories with each other. Friends for life. Always courage and faith in the face of daunting odds. Confronting early retirement, she thought she might try one further challenge for a few months. An opportunity arose where she could work in a governmental security agency. Here she'd have to pass physical fitness requirements and learn to handle a gun. "Should I?' she asked her husband. And with a tilt of the head and Cheshire smile, off she went. Surprisingly, finding herself helping 20 somethings with their physical fitness standards. Encouraging, cheering, determined. And as soon as she graduated, she was placed in charge of opening, coordinating and organizing a specialized health care unit. And she loved her assignment and her supervisors and the tasks. Diedre and Mark and all, thanks. She respected your leadership. Staying longer than she wanted to originally, she finally retired to be with her Bichons and her Scottie. Always having had dogs, she was in heaven and they loved having her around full time. Weekly meeting with "the gang" they would visit around the area and the state to dance with each other regularly and share stories. Thanks to the bunch at the Tony Rocker club, including Tony, Andrea, Lorna, Kim, Linda, Vern, Diana....everyone..... you provided Joycie an opportunity to freely express her love of life through dance and enjoy your company.

Mysteriously, within a few years, Joycie developed a perplexing cough. It had a sort of like sharp "bark" to it. Going in to have it checked, she was diagnosed with what's called Interstitial Lung Disease. At current writing, this is relatively rare and can be brought on by smoking or exposure to some environmental influences. Since Joyce had stopped smoking 25 plus years ago, it was difficult to relate a direct cause to the origin. There is no cure. A specialist in this area made the diagnosis and then told her that the prognosis wasn't good......that it was terminal.....within 3 to 5 years. And I remember, with those words, a little diminution of the spark that was Joyce. (So much for bedside manners). Maybe he could have said, "Well, a lot of people struggle with this illness. And it can be daunting. But each situation is different and we all respond differently." Lesson: Never dash someone's hope. Determined to prevail in spite of these circumstances, Joyce began a regimen of five-mile walks punctuated by working with weights at the Prairie Athletic Club. It was joyous time for her. When her husband dropped her off at the door, (which he did everywhere), he'd return to the lobby, and there could be heard a raucous cacophonous laughter and banter between Joyce, Peggy and all the girls and staff at the club. (Must of bin won of them gurl thangs, cause it got pretty quiet when hubby came around). Thanks, ladies, for continually lifting her spirit. She loved seeing each of you. I think your encouragement spurred her on.

Sadly, provocation by a second occurrence of C. diff landed her in the hospital again, where this time being denied continually comprehensive and innovative approaches to treatment, she succumbed to its debilitating effects of the infection. Moral of the story here: If you hear your physician say, "It's (whatever you are contemplating), It's not indicated", run for the hills. And fast. But she fought the good fight. And her spirits never waned. Neither did that innocent heart. And smile. And laugh. And the world has lost a little of its sparkle. It should be noted that she would want to have a couple of her health care professionals recognized for their expertise, but more importantly, for> their spirit in addressing the human condition. Principally and for many years, Dr. Mark Reichelderfer, MD, Gastroenterologist. Top of his game. Involved and concerned and uses an approach with humor. In a world where humor is becoming increasingly rare, only an expert can wield it with style and aplomb and confidence. And he's all that. Highly recommended. And to recommend all the physicians and surgeons at the Mayo Clinic. If you ever have any issues which you confront which could be life altering, GO THERE FIRST. They treat you comprehensively......all the specialties come to you, and they treat your mind and attitude as well. Some lesser physicians will say, "They aren't that good any more. They used to be but no longer", as Joyce was told by one of her "practitioners" before being denied a previously confirmed second opinion at Mayo. But don't believe it. Mayo is without equal. And you are worth it. So, with that I hope you've come to understand a little bit more about our Joycie. Courage, faith, wonder......all things I suspect the world needs more of. Good bye, my little blessing.

To My Dear Loving Husband
If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were loved by wife, then thee.
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me, ye women, if you can.
I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold,
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee give recompense.
Thy love is such I can no way repay;
The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray.
Then while we live, in love let's so persever,
That when we live no more, we may live ever.

Anne Bradstreet C 1612-1672


Spread your wings my light little Imago, and cast off your earthly Chrysalis.
There now, gently thump your new born wings......slowly.....there you go.
The two shall become as one.
Now the one behind has become as none.
All my love my little Letty,
Your loving emptied Bun.



From Proverbs 31:10-31
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have
no need of spoil.
12. She will do him good and not evil all the days of he life.
13. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14. She is like the merchants'' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her
household, and a portion to her maidens.
16. She considereth a field, and buyeth it; with the fruit of her hands she
planteth a vineyard.
17. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengeneth her arms.
18. She perceive that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out
by night.


In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the following charities in memory of Joyce.

Mayo Clinic
Department of Development
200 First Street SW
Rochester, MN 55905

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation
National Processing Center
Box 1245
Albert Lea, MN 56007

Dane County Humane Society
5132 Voges Road
Madison, Wi 53718

Feed the Children
PO Box 36
Oklahoma City, OK 73101-0036

Goodwill Industries of South Central Wisconsin

Hillsdale College
33 E College Street
Hillsdale, MI 49242

College of the Ozarks
C of O Development Office
P O Box 17
Point Lookout, MO 65726





Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
1310 Emerald Terrace
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
608-837-9054