Wisconsin Health Services Secretary Kitty Rhoades Dies At 65

Kitty Rhoades, the secretary of Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services, has died, according to Gov. Scott Walker’s office.

Walker’s office said Rhoades died Saturday in Madison after falling ill this past week. She was 65. The cause of death wasn’t immediately known.

In a statement, Walker called Rhoades “a vital part of our administration, a former colleague, and a dear friend.”

Rhoades had headed the state 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 said Rhoades “dedicated her career to improving the lives of Wisconsin citizens.”