Ruth Marie (Grunke) Richgruber

Ruth Marie (Grunke) Richgruber, 92, died on February 26, 2025, in Sun City, Ariz. with loved ones at her side. She was born April 7, 1932, in Fairfax, Minn. to Ernest and Erma (Hinderman) Grunke. After attending Dr. Martin Luther College, Ruth received her first call to teach in Sparta, where she met Bob Richgruber. They were married in 1956. God blessed them with 58 years of marriage. They began their married life in Sparta, then La Crosse, Rhinelander, Superior, and back to Rhinelander for retirement.

Ruth enjoyed teaching God’s little ones in Sparta and in Rhinelander. She played church organ for over 50 years, sang in choirs, and was active in the Ladies Aid and Ladies Guild at church. Her two loves in life were her Savior Jesus Christ and her family. In retirement, she enjoyed traveling with Bob to see family and many destinations; wintering in Southern Texas, and then Arizona.

Ruth is survived by children, Rita (Michael) Graves of Sun City, Ariz., Rhonda Hoge of Peoria, Ariz., Roger (Marion) Richgruber of Southern Pines, N.C., Rene (Peter) Roen of Roscoe, Ill., and Rodney Richgruber of Sun City, Ariz.; grandchildren, Matthew and Jason Graves, Charlie (Nicole) Hoge, Tom (Kelly) Hoge, Elli (Garrison) Allen, Brandon (Katherine) Richgruber, Max Richgruber, Emily (Joe) Roen, and Lauren (Julius) Lakatos; nine great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Janet (Ed) Habhegger of Sparta; nieces, nephews; and other family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her parents; her brother, Winnel; other brothers and sisters-in-law; and cousins.

A graveside service will be held at noon, Saturday, April 5, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Sparta.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.