Ruth Elizabeth Russler

On November 8, 2026, Ruth Elizabeth Russler died peacefully to this earthly life at Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff with her son by her side, and has now entered eternal life with her living Savior, Jesus Christ.

Ruth was born on May 20, 1927 to John and Esther (Nyman) Anderson in Ironwood, Mich.

She was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran. Following high school, Ruth continued her education at the University of Michigan where she earned a nursing degree. It was there that she met the love of her life, Russ Russler. They were married in June 1951, a marriage which lasted for 72 years until Russ’ death in 2023. Their life together began in Albion, Mich. where their daughter, Sue and son, Jim were born. Russ’ career moved them to Two Rivers, then Appleton and finally Dayton, Ohio. They retired in 1988, and shared time between Hilton Head, S.C. and Minocqua, until they moved fulltime to Minocqua in 2009.

Throughout her life, Ruth’s vocations as a child of God, wife, mother, “Nana”, friend and servant were uppermost in both her family life and wherever she lived. Among her many volunteer activities were King’s Daughters, Community Blood banks, and The Valparaiso University Guild, being elected as its National President from 1980-82. During those years and from 1985-1996 she also served on the Valparaiso University Board of Directors. She was especially active in every church to which she belonged. Her faithful attendance at church, even in her latter days, was a witness of her deep faith in her Lord and Savior.

In every community she and Russ made life long, enduring friendships and she was well loved by so many for her generous heart, cheerful laugh and kind spirit. Ruth loved playing golf, tennis, bridge and her daily gin games with Russ. Throughout their married life, she and Russ traveled extensively, visiting almost every continent. She was an excellent cook and hostess and especially loved decorating at Christmas.

In 1980, when the first of her three grandchildren was born, she became “Nana”, a vocation she deeply cherished and then “Nana” to their children. Four of her “great ones” (Diana, Cara, Grace, Adalyn) had the privilege of knowing her into their teens and just recently, she met her youngest, Kenna, who was born just before Ruth’s 99th birthday.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband Russ, sister Jeanne Thomas, brother-in-law Dave Thomas, brother John Anderson, and niece RoJene Kanugh. She is survived by her daughter, Sue Steinbruecker, son Jim (Cindy) Russler, granddaughters Becky (Scott) Benninghoff and Katie (Aaron) Bustos, and grandson John (Elizabeth) Russler, and her great granddaughters, Diana and Cara Benninghoff, Grace and Adalyn Russler, and Kenna Bustos. She is further survived by her sister-in-law Nancy Anderson, nephews Scott (Peggy) Thomas, Doug (Chris) Thomas, Brad (Tara) Anderson and niece Lori (Kevin) Eilermann.

The family would like to extend our sincere, overwhelming gratitude to the staff at Seasons of Life. Their loving care for our mother in her last weeks was a true comfort to Ruth and also to our family. We would also like to thank Pastor Rathjen for his many visits and spiritual care.

The funeral for Ruth will be at Peace Lutheran Church, Arbor Vitae, on Monday, November 23 at 11 a.m. Visitation will precede the service at 10 a.m. and a dinner will be served following the service. Graveside burial will follow the dinner, at Minocqua Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Ruth would like memorials to be sent to Peace Lutheran Church, 10868 Old 51 N, Arbor Vitae, 54568.

Bolger Cremation & Funeral Services is assisting the family, visit www.bolgerfuneral.com to share condolences.