Wisconsin health services secretary Kitty Rhoades dies at 65

MADISON — Gov. Scott Walker's office says the secretary of Wisconsin's Department of Health Services, Kitty Rhoades, has died.

Walker's office says Rhoades died Saturday in Madison after falling ill this past week. She was 65. The cause of death was not immediately known.

In a statement, Walker calls Rhoades "a vital part of our administration, a former colleague, and a dear friend."

Rhoades had headed the Wisconsin Department of Health Services since February 2013, after serving as deputy secretary for two years. Before that, she represented the Hudson area as a Republican in the Wisconsin Assembly for 12 years. While in the Legislature she co-chaired the Joint Finance Committee.

Attorney General Brad Schimel says Rhoades "dedicated her career to improving the lives of Wisconsin citizens."

Senator Leah Vukmir (R-Brookfield) issued the following statement;

“During my tenure in the Wisconsin Assembly I cannot recall a colleague who was more determined than Kitty, a quality of hers I admired greatly.  She was an intelligent and well-respected woman whose sharp wit and candor left a lasting impression, one that will certainly live on.

“Wisconsin was fortunate to have her play a vital role in shaping state government and health policy. Kitty was a constant model of how to lead with passion, tenacity, and class. My prayers are with Secretary Rhoades’ family as we commemorate her life and mourn her passing.”