Ryan Joseph Fitch

After a long and courageous battle with his health, Ryan finally found peace. He passed away quietly, surrounded by the love of family and friends on May 7, 2026. He was born on May 8, 1984.

To know Ryan was to know kindness, humility, and an unforgettable sense of humor. Even in life’s darkest moments, he found light — and somehow made sure everyone around him could see it too. He left an impression not only on the hearts of those closest to him, but on every person lucky enough to cross his path.

Known affectionately as “The Ry Guy,” “Fitchy,” and sometimes even “Dr. Fitch,” Ryan was a short little ray of sunshine with a constant smile, a bounce in his step, and endless kindness and laughter to share. Around these parts, he was somewhat of a celebrity — a “big dill,” if you will — and a legendary Neuro Trauma, ICU nurse adored by patients, coworkers, friends, and family alike.

Ryan began his healthcare journey through the School-to-Work CAN Program with Bethel Home in Oshkosh. He later graduated from Marian University with his Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. He found his professional home as an RN with Theda Clark Hospital in Neenah, where he worked across many specialty areas before ultimately finding his passion in the ICU and educational training. Nursing was never simply a career for Ryan — it was who he was. Whether by fate or circumstance, he was born into his profession, gifted with both the heart and intuition that helped save countless lives.

His greatest loves included nursing, golf, cooking, golf, fishing, golf, bowling, the Golf Channel, Las Vegas, fur babies, and above all, his friends and family. Ryan’s legacy will live on through great memories of laughter with family and friends and the countless healthcare professionals he mentored, the stories shared throughout hospital halls, and the many lives touched by his compassion, humor, and care.

Ryan is survived by his wife, Cassandra Fitch; son, Ian Ruetten; daughter, Trin Ruetten; mother, Sharon (Kurt) Villwock; father, Daniel (Stella) Fitch; sisters, Sara (Chris) Hansman, Alicia (Kyle) Noskowiak; maternal grandmother, Jan Mallindine; mother-and-father-in-law, Sandy Feldner and Sylvester (Bonnie) Boehnlein; brother-and-sister-in-law; Daniel (Karin) Boehnlein and Stacy (Daryl) Meyer; niece and nephews, Sydney, Steve, Chase, Ryan, Liam and Rowan as well as Andrew, Christopher (Adi) Jonathan (Jadyn); fur babies, Derby, Riley and Lenny. He is further survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Kenneth Mallindine; paternal grandparents, Richard Fitch, Elizabeth Fitch and Delores Fitch; uncle, Timothy Fitch.

In his final days, an overwhelming outpouring of love came from coworkers, friends, and family — all people deeply impacted by Ryan and the incredible life he lived.

A celebration of Ryan’s remarkable life will take place on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Pickles and Bags in Oshkosh, WI, from 2 PM to 8 PM. During this special gathering, family, friends, and all who knew Ryan will come together to honor the kindness, humor, and compassion he brought to their lives.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Ryan’s name will be established through the ThedaCare Foundations, Nursing/Clinical Education Fund, and Caring for Colleagues. Additionally, a Go Fund Me campaign will be set up to honor “Honoring Ryan Fitch’s Legacy of Care and Compassion”, with proceeds going towards nursing scholarships and animal rescue.

On behalf of Ryan’s entire family, thank you to everyone who loved him and stood beside him through the unimaginable. We will forever be indebted to the compassion, support, and kindness that carried him through life’s hardest battles. To the countless doctors and nurses who cared for Ryan throughout his life, and especially the ICU team, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your love and support will remain with us forever.

Cheers, Ryan — this next one’s for you.