Longtime HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls CEO David Fish has passed away. He was deeply involved the Chippewa Falls community for more than a quarter-century and was a much-respected figure among his peers during his long involvement with WHA.
Originally from Cedar Rapids, IA, Fish joined the Hospital Sisters Health System in Chippewa Falls in the mid-1970s. After a brief three-year stint at HSHS headquarters in Springfield, IL, Fish returned to Wisconsin as St. Joseph’s executive vice president. Over the next 25 years Fish led impressive development at the hospital, including overseeing the startup of home health and hospice services, expansion of chemical dependency treatment programs, creation of an occupational therapy program and the opening of a treatment center in Green Bay. He stepped down from his leadership position in 2010.
Fish was also heavily involved in WHA over four decades. He served on the Board of Directors from 1988-1993, then again from 1995-1998 including as chair in 1997. He was a longtime participant in the Council on Public Policy, the Nominating and Awards Committee, the PAC Committee and multiple task forces.
“Dave was a genuinely exceptional person,” Eric Borgerding, WHA President and CEO said. “As soon as you met Dave, you immediately loved the guy. He was a strong believer in WHA and helped shape what the organization is today.
“He was just a great man and human being.”
Services are pending.
This story originally appeared in the March 19, 2020 edition of WHA Newsletter