John R. Rulseh's Obituary
John R. Rulseh, age 82, passed away on August 2, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.
John was born on July 15, 1944, to Dolores and Richard Rulseh and was raised in Manitowoc. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School through eighth grade and graduated from Lincoln High School, where he was known as “Butch.”
John began his lifelong career as an educator at just 20 years old after earning his teaching license from Manitowoc County Teachers College. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Lakeland College and his master’s degree from Marian University.
John taught in West Bend and Arkansaw (Durand), Wisconsin, before spending nearly 30 years with the Oshkosh Area School District, where he inspired generations of students at Read, Shapiro, and Washington Elementary Schools and Tipler Middle School. Beyond the classroom, he was a devoted coach, leading girls’ basketball teams at West and North High Schools with the same patience, dedication, and sense of humor that defined his teaching.
John found great joy in the outdoors. He was an avid golfer, fisherman, and hunter. He shared these passions with dear friends and regaled many others with related stories and jokes. He also enjoyed reading, gardening, experimenting with new recipes, and was a skilled dog trainer.
Above all, John was a proud and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Nothing brought him greater joy than celebrating the accomplishments of his family, and he never missed an opportunity to share stories about them with anyone he encountered.
John was reunited in death with his beloved wife of 44 years, Gayle Rulseh, whom he had sorely missed since her passing in 2022. He was also preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, Dean; and several faithful canine companions: JJ, Ahab, Shadow, Nala, and Quinn.
He is lovingly remembered by his children, David (Matt) and Allison (Billy); his cherished granddaughter, Aria; his sisters, Marylou, Monnie (Pat), Katie, Jayne (Pat), and Faye (Ron); and many extended family members and dear friends.
John’s fierce love for his family, quick wit, unwavering optimism, and generous spirit touched countless lives. His legacy lives on in the many students he inspired, the family he adored, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be profoundly missed.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at Poklasny Funeral Home, 870 W. South Park, Oshkosh, on Friday, August 14, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John’s honor to the Oshkosh Area Humane Society or the Oshkosh Area School District Education Foundation Scholarship Fund.
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