Jeanne Lyke can take credit for one very unique feature in the Ripon community – for the past 30 years, she has served as the city’s only pediatrician. As an SSM Health Fond du Lac Regional Clinic pediatrician, Dr. Lyke has helped generations of families in raising their children to lead happy and healthy lives. What brought Dr. Lyke to Ripon? “My husband grew up in Ripon and really wanted to take on a role in the family business, Ripon Community Printers,” according to Dr. Lyke. “He had already been working in Ripon as I was finishing up my training in Chicago. Fortunately, a small group of family practitioners was willing to take a chance on me. That group included Dr. Richard Gauthier, who is still one of my colleagues at SSM Health in Ripon.” Dr. Lyke was attracted to pediatrics “because I loved the science of medicine and the way kids usually get better,” she recalls. “Working with parents and caregivers gave me an important ally in promoting the health of children. There were always new things for me to learn and in turn, teach to patients and families. This long-term, collaborative relationship with families is definitely the thing that I will miss most.” During her 30-plus career, Dr. Lyke has witnessed many changes in the pediatrics field. “The rise of technology and improved access to information is certainly the biggest change that I’ve seen over my career,” according to Dr. Lyke. “As a rural pediatrician, it has improved my access to specialty knowledge and the most up-to-date care for my patients. “It has also allowed patients to become more educated about their own healthcare and connect with others who have similar conditions,” Dr. Lyke adds. “The interconnectedness of medical records streamlined communication for kids with complex medical conditions who are seeing multiple specialists yet still live in our small communities.” Now that Dr. Lyke has officially retired as of May 6, she is transitioning pediatric services to her niece, Dr. Andrea Aul, who started with the SSM Health Fond du Lac Regional Clinic in Ripon last fall. “Having my niece take over the Ripon pediatric practice has made my transition into retirement much easier,” Dr. Lyke says. “She is superbly trained and genuinely wants what’s best for her patients. Working with her over these last eight months has been one of the highlights of my career.” Dr. Lyke is retiring at the same time that one of her two nurses in her 30-plus year career, is doing the same – Angie Schoebel. “Angie has been with me for over 20 years,” according to Dr. Lyke. “I can’t give her enough credit for genuinely listening to patients, prioritizing tasks, and keeping me organized.’ What’s in store for retirement? “For the early part of my retirement, I’m going to take a break and focus on fun,” she shares. “I joined a golf league, invested in an e-bike, and have lots of travel planned. I expect to see lots of former patients around Ripon this summer!”
SSM Health Fond du Lac Regional Clinic team members in Ripon who work with Dr. Lyke are hosting a free farewell fun fest for Dr. Lyke and Angie from 4:30 – 7 pm on Wednesday, May 29 at the Village Green in Ripon. The event will feature a dunk tank, yard games, face painting, and much more. Dr. Andrea Aul will also be present to introduce herself to attendees. For more information, call 920-745-3560.
