Ruth M. Schmidt

September 8, 1934
-
July 6, 2019

Ruth M. Schmidt, 84, passed away from a short bout with cancer on Saturday, July 6, 2019. She was born on September 8, 1934, to the late Walter and Selma (Schliep) Raasch. Ruth grew up in Algoma and Kewaunee and was a graduate of Kewaunee High School. In 1971, she married Frank Schmidt III and shared 35 years of marriage together until his death in 2007.

Ruth worked as a secretary for Rubber Engraving Inc. for many years before becoming a part owner in the business which she loved. She enjoyed bowling in women’s and couples’ leagues traveling the country for tournaments. Her traveling also included the many family vacations. After retiring, Ruth loved to attend the grandchildren’s school functions and sporting events. She became an avid Green Bay Bullfrogs fan and even received a fan appreciation trophy for her attendance at home games. She enjoyed helping her church by being a youth group leader and accompanied them on many youth rallies to help nurture their faith. Her favorite past times were working on jigsaw puzzles, playing cribbage and reading. Ruth will be sadly missed by family and friends who enjoyed her pleasant disposition and always being there to listen or offer advice when needed. Rest in Peace, I’m sure your angel wings will be moving the wind chime to let me know you’re never far away.  

Ruth will be missed by her children, Wayne (friend Susan Garcia) Rustad, Kim (Mark) Krahn; step-children, Carol Schmidt, Betty Ann (Jim) Karlovich, and Lora (Jim) Heiking; grandchildren, Mark Olsen, Brittany Matuszak, Craig (Katie) Olsen, Kevin (Emily) Olsen, Melissa (Josh) Maloney, and Matthew Rustad; step-grandchildren, Joshua (friend Amanda Smith) Krahn, Kayla Krahn, Jenny Fonferek, Daniel (Angie) Foster, Christopher (Barbara) Marden and Beth (Trevor) Baird; siblings, Randall (Sandy) Raasch, Daniel (Loretta) Raasch, Rebecca (Dick) Ray, and Carol (Bruce) Moorhead; brothers and sisters-in-law, Marlene Raasch, Jerry (Carol) Schmidt, Nancy Schmidt, Bob (Roxy) Schmidt, Mary Ann (Wayne) Brandonsio, Joyce (Jack) Spice and Roger (Joan) Schmidt. Ruth is further survived by her 18 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Frank; stepson, Greg Schmidt; stepmother, Mabel Raasch, brothers, David Raasch, Thomas Raasch and brother-in-law, Dick Schmidt. 

Visitation will be held at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 743 S. Monroe Ave, Monday, July 22, from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm followed by a Memorial Service. Rev. Paul Schleis is officiating. In lieu of flowers and other expressions of sympathy a memorial fund will be established in Ruth’s name. Online condolences may be expressed at www.prokowall.com.

The family extends their gratitude and appreciation to Aurora Hospice, hospice nurse, Alicean, Stephanie (Social Worker), and hospice helper, Mary. The family also gives thanks to Aurora Bay Care, Dr. Karkera and Diane, the nurse navigator.