Jose Rañola Relacion

Jose Rañola Relacion, MD

Jose “Joe” Rañola Relacion, MD, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2019, at the age of 88, surrounded by his loving family. Joe’s medical career spanned more than 30 years as a physician and anesthesiologist in Milwaukee health care, including tenures at St. Michael’s Hospital and St. Luke’s Medical Center.

In October 1968, he was a member of the team that completed Milwaukee’s first heart transplant, which also was the first in the Midwest. He spent the last years of his career devoted to providing care in urban clinics serving Milwaukee’s African-American and Hmong communities. He received his medical degree from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Dona L. Relacion; his stepson, George N. Prietz III; his stepdaughter, Patricia (Amarjit) Bedi; and grandson, Emmett Finnell. He will be deeply missed by his children, Liza (Gary) Sharp, of San Diego, Calif.; John Relacion, of Waukesha, Wis.; and Christina (Brett) Relacion-Finnell, of Clinton, Mass. He also is survived by his grandchildren, Meena and Ajay Bedi, and Christopher McNamara.

Joe was a longtime resident of Wauwatosa, Wis. He was an ardent outdoorsman who had a passion for hunting and fishing. Joe loved all sports, especially swimming, where he regularly swam laps at Brookfield’s Elite fitness center community. He also was an avid supporter and season ticket holder of the Milwaukee Bucks.  He will be remembered dearly by many family and friends.

Due to the inclement weather, memorial services are postponed until further notice. The family greatly thanks you for your love and continued support. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations in Joe's memory to support The Lutheran Home Foundation, 8220 Harwood Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53213.

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