Roland Woodruff

Roland Neal Woodruff, MD, age 80, of Oshkosh, WI, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving and devoted daughters on January 23, 2026.

Roland Woodruff was born on August 1, 1945, in Spokane, Washington, to Bradley and Margaret (Marmes) Woodruff. He was the eldest of six children. He grew up in Grand Island, NE, where he attended Central Catholic High School, Class of 1963, excelling in academics and football. Roland earned his B.S. from Loyola University in Chicago, IL, in 1966 and earned his M.D. at Creighton University in Omaha, NE, in 1970. He served in the U.S. Army stationed in Bupyeong-dong, South Korea, from 1970 to 1972, and at Fort Riley, KS, from 1972 to 1973.

On August 19, 1967, Roland married his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life, Nancy Recker. Together they shared 59 years of marriage. Their devoted partnership was the foundation of their family.

Dr. Woodruff practiced internal medicine in Oshkosh from 1975 to 2015, earning a reputation as a brilliant physician and a deeply respected colleague. He was known not only for his clinical excellence and diagnostic insight but also for the care, patience, and dignity he showed every patient who walked through his door.

Outside of his medical practice, he found his greatest joy in nature. An avid reader and lifelong learner, he spent countless hours gardening, sailing, golfing, walking through the woods, and fishing. He loved the outdoors and approached it with the same quiet curiosity and care that defined the rest of his life, carefully studying birds, trees, wild mushrooms, and fossils. He found peace in observing and understanding the world, and he shared that appreciation generously with those around him.

He loved to travel, spend time with friends and family, and enjoy fine food and wine. Among many things, he was the best father and grandfather. He was endeared for his unique sense of humor and effortless ability to make people laugh. He was defined by his gentleness and humility.

Roland is survived by his wife, Nancy, and his daughters: Karen Woodruff (Paul Delap) of Sun Prairie, WI; Sonja (Shawn) Bolchen of Two Rivers, WI; and Jana (Chad) Zimmerman of Watertown, WI. He also leaves behind his adoring grandchildren: Derek Woodruff-Delap, Edward and Sarah Bolchen, and Henry and Bradley Zimmerman; his siblings: Jim (Mary) Woodruff, Mark (the late Chris) Woodruff, Mary Pat (Bob) Henchal, and John (Lori) Woodruff, all of Omaha, NE; his sister-in-law, Carol Woodruff; and his dearest friend, John Kroll, of Oshkosh, WI.

He was preceded in death by his brother, David Woodruff, and his parents, Bradley and Margaret Woodruff.

Special thanks to the exceptional caregivers and Aurora Hospice who made Roland feel safe and loved. We consider you family and are deeply grateful for the kindness you showed him every day.

A time of visitation will be held at Konrad-Behlman West (100 Lake Pointe Dr) on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM, with a sharing of memories at 5:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial for Roland will be held at Most Blessed Sacrament - St. Peter's Site (435 High Ave) on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM, with a visitation from 10:30 AM until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Bluefield Project to Cure Frontotemporal Dementia in his honor.