Submitted by Ryma Lindquist, WWH
BALDWIN, WI – The Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative (RWHC) recently honored Renee Obermueller, Surgical Services RN at Western Wisconsin Health (WWH), with the 2025 Rural Health Ambassador Award.
This prestigious award recognizes healthcare employees at RWHC member hospitals who go above and beyond in promoting their organizations and making meaningful contributions to rural health. Recipients are chosen for their commitment to building strong community relationships, including service on community boards, volunteerism, public outreach, and involvement in health initiatives that extend beyond their healthcare roles.
Renee Obermueller exemplifies what it means to be a Rural Health Ambassador. She serves as a Department Charge Nurse in Surgical Services and is also a licensed EMT-Basic and Training Officer for the Spring Valley and Ellsworth Area Ambulance Services. Beyond her clinical roles, Renee teaches religious education and actively volunteers at Western Wisconsin Health events, including community parades and open houses. She has also participated in RWHC leadership development education sessions and continues to be an active member of local volunteer ambulance services, strengthening emergency care access in rural communities.
Shonda Helgeson, Chief Nursing Officer at WWH, shared her nomination:
“It is with great pride and admiration that I nominate Renee for the RWHC Rural Health Ambassador Award. Renee has been a valuable asset to Western Wisconsin Health since the day she was hired. She consistently demonstrates compassionate care, strong leadership, and a deep commitment to service in our rural community. She’s a natural leader and mentor, whose calm presence and collaborative spirit inspire everyone around her. Her dedication to our patients, our staff, and our community is truly exceptional.”
Renee is known for bringing a high level of expertise and empathy to her role. Whether working with surgical patients, training staff, or responding to emergencies in the field, she ensures every individual feels heard, valued, and supported. Her positivity, professionalism, and drive to help others grow make her an integral part of the WWH team and a role model for the next generation of rural healthcare professionals.
Renee was presented with the award by Cheryl DeVault, MS, BSN, RN, AMB-BC, RWHC/Primary Care Program Manager, alongside Shonda Helgeson, CNO, and Eilidh Pederson, CEO of Western Wisconsin Health.
Incorporated in 1979, RWHC has been nationally recognized as one of the most successful models for rural hospital collaboration in the country. Owned and operated by 44 acute medical-surgical hospitals, RWHC provides staffing, consulting, education, and other shared services to support the health of rural communities. Western Wisconsin Health is a proud member of RWHC and shares in its mission of “strengthening and sustaining rural health.”
Congratulations to Renee Obermueller on this well-deserved recognition. Her compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to rural health are a true reflection of the values we hold at Western Wisconsin Health.
