Ruth Irene Schoening

Born on March 23, 1922, in Molins, Illinois, Ruth was the daughter of the late Carl John Wilhelmsen and Cara Irene Wilhelmsen. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Raymond Edward Schoening; her daughter, Carol Irene Haertel; her son, Stephen Schoening; two grandsons, Tom and Michael Haertel; and two brothers, Harold (Audrey) and Carl (Lois) Wilhelmsen.

Ruth was a charter member of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Racine, Wisconsin, where she served as organist for 32 years until she was 93. A dedicated music educator, she was a certified school music teacher and also provided private music instruction. Music was her life’s work, and it was through her passion for teaching and performance that she touched the lives of many.

In addition to her musical pursuits, Ruth enjoyed playing cards and was an active participant in both women’s and men’s card clubs. She looked forward to family get-togethers, especially the annual week-long gatherings at cottages in Northern Wisconsin, which brought together their children, spouses, and grandchildren to share in good times and create lasting memories.

Ruth is survived by her son, John E. Schoening (Lucy); son-in-law, Thomas Haertel; daughter-in-law, Sue Schoening; grandchildren, Jeff Haertel (Lisa), Rebecca Harper, Matthew, and Tristen Schoening; and great-grandchildren, Norwell and Bailey Harper.

A Memorial Service will be held at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Racine, Wisconsin, in December. The date and time will be announced later.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the staff of Affinity Hospice, especially Tim, Laura, and Clark, for their compassionate care during Ruth’s final days. They also extend their thanks to the staff at Runk and Pratt Memory Care in Forest, particularly Kim and the nurses and aides, for their exceptional care of Ruth.