SPIRIT LAKE — Ruth E. (Rusche) Poppen, 98, of the Spirit Lake Community, passed away Thursday, June 1, 2017, at the Good Samaritan Society of De Smet.
Memorial services will be 5 pm, Monday, June 19, 2017, at the Spirit Lake Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Ruth E. Rusche was born the 5th of eight children, on a farm northeast of Bancroft to Henry and Ada (Haufschild) Poppen. Ruth attended rural schools and started high school in Bancroft. The harsh times of the 1930’s forced her and her brother to quit school to help at home. Later they were able to return after a year’s absence. Ruth graduated from high school in 1936, from Bancroft High School. Ruth then attended Northern State College in Aberdeen, where she received her teaching certificate.
Ruth taught two rural schools before marrying the love of her life, Edward Poppen at Lake Preston May 28, 1940. The couple moved to their home near Spirit Lake in 1946. Ruth resided there for nearly 71 years. Ruth and Edward raised four children Leland, Richard, Patricia and Curtis. She and Ed enjoyed trips for several years to Arizona. Edward passed away on April 2, 2012.
Ruth was active in the Spirit Lake Presbyterian Church. She remained interested in the activities of the farm and lives of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ruth would paint, did carvings and wove treasures her family and friends will long enjoy.
Those grateful for having shared a part of her life include her children, Leland (Kathy) of Willow Lake, Richard (Linda) of De Smet, Patricia (R.J.) Meagher of Grand Ridge, Ill., and Curtis (Eva) of Denmark; twelve grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren; sister, Mae Verch of Huron; and a brother, Allen Rusche of Perham, Minn.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edward; four brothers; a sister; two nephews; a niece; and a granddaughter.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.willoughbyfh.com.
Paid Obituary