Joan "Ruthie" C. (Madson) Skeels

Joan C. Skeels “Ruthie”, of Manitowoc, made her way to heaven on Sunday morning, April 21st, 2024 at the age of 92.

Born on July 15,1931, Joan attended school in Manitowoc, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1948.  She attended college in Chicago, IL where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.  Most remember Joan as the face of the Manitowoc Clinic Pediatrics wing, taking care of generations of kids for 30 years. Joan was also Manitowoc’s Miss Peony and a member of First Lutheran Church.

Survivors include her daughter: Tracey (William) Schultz, Manitowoc; granddaughter: Jenn (Clint) Vincent, Shawano; grandson: Ryan (Terra) Schultz, De Pere; great-grandsons: Myles & Cayde Vincent, Eddie Allison-Brauer & Maddox Schultz; brother: Jac (Suzanne) Madson, New Jersey; Nephews: Jeff (Sandy) Diederichs and family, Manitowoc; Jon (Missy) Diederichs and family, Manitowoc; Jason (Kim) Diederichs and family, Milwaukee; Paul (Laurel) Madson and family, Florida; Niece: Julie (Ed) Klusman and family (New Jersey). Other relatives and friends also survive. 

She was preceded in death by her parents: Juel and Janet Madson; brother: Jay Madson; sister: Judy Diederichs; and daughter: Susan Skeels.

Joan was known for her smile, kindness and sense of humor!  She made everyone feel like they were part of the family and always had her famous brownies ready for any visit.  Her kindness was felt every second by how well she cared for and loved her family and also felt throughout the community through the love of her pediatric nursing career.  There are so, so many things we will all miss about Joan.  She was very special to all of us. The world was definitely a better place with her in it! 

A private burial at Gjerpen Cemetery will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Joan’s name. Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Reinbold & Pfeffer Family Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the Skeels family.

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