Peter George Ruehlman IV, MD

Peter George Ruehlman IV, MD, passed away peacefully at age 72 in his home in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was surrounded by his wife, Debra, his children, Matthew and Rebecca, beloved pastor Debbie Whaley, and the wonderful team from Hospice of Cincinnati.

Despite a challenging youth on the west side of Cincinnati, Dr. Ruehlman defied all odds to become one of the region's leading oncologists, known not only for his medical prowess but also for his uncommonly loving demeanor. There were very few places he could go without running into a former patient who would stop him to say "you saved my life."

Dr. Ruehlman had many medical challenges including hemophilia and amyloidosis. He knew the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota well, where the staff called him "a unicorn" because he was so unique.

Dr. Ruehlman always said he learned what love really was when he had children. A devoted father, he supported his children's every endeavor, from plays, to dance competitions, to law school, to his son's acting career. He often said that he loved his children "to the edge of the universe."

Throughout his life, Dr. Ruehlman was honored for many of his accomplishments, but there are several of which he was most proud: he was the LLS Light the Night top fundraiser 5 years in a row; the Tutor of the Year at the QCBB, a literacy program where he volunteered; and the prestigious Daniel Drake Humanitarian Award, of which he was most proud.

His medical legacy lives on through the many medical students he mentored at the UC Medical School, through presentations on medical issues for the general public, and through the many people who came to him for medical advice. He was heard to say "it is our privilege and duty to provide not only medical care, but also comfort, hope, and solace to those in need."

Outside of his medical practice, Peter loved playing the drums in church and breaking personal records in his spin class. More than any hobby, however, Peter loved quality time with others. Through gatherings like his book club, church men's group, Mount Adams Democrats, The Kingdom Men, retired doctor lunches, men's morning coffee, and so many more, he touched innumerable lives.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Debra Ruehlman, and his cherished children, Rebecca (Christopher) Kulig and Matthew Ruehlman. He also leaves behind his loving siblings, Barbara (Robert) Little, Dr. Linda Ruehlman (Dr.Paul Karoly), Cathy Ruehlman, and Joe (Jennifer) Feeley, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, other family members and mentees.

His legacy is love.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Ruehlman Fund for Amyloidosis Research: https://shorturl.at/bcTS5

T.P.White & Sons Funeral Home is serving the family.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, Feb.28 at 3 pm at Mount Washington Presbyterian Church, 6474 Beechmont Avenue. A reception at the church will follow until 6 pm.