Ruth was born September 3, 1925 in Sheboygan to Cornelius and Elizabeth (Goseman) Schaefer. She attended Jefferson Elementary School and Sheboygan Central High School.
On December 7, 1946 Ruth and Jerome H. Leonhardt were united in marriage at Immanuel Evangelical Congregational Church. After sixty-two years of marriage Jerome preceded her in death on December 30, 2008.
For over twenty-five years Ruth was employed in packaging at Enzo Jel in Sheboygan, retiring in 1987.
Ruth was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ.
Ruth liked the outdoors, swimming, Lake Michigan, and family gatherings. She also enjoyed playing bingo and watching baseball, especially the Milwaukee Brewers. Above all, she loved spending wonderful times with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Cynthia (Les) Trempe, Susan Leonhardt, Gary (Kathleen) Leonhardt, John (Mary) Leonhardt and Larry (Patricia) Leonhardt all of Sheboygan; seven grandchildren, Scott (Krissy) Trempe, Lori (Jeff) Wilsing, Anne (Pat) Miech, Lindsay (Kurt) Norris, Jennifer Leonhardt, Megan Leonhardt, and David Leonhardt; nine great-grandchildren, Nicole and Cory Klauck, Devon Wilsing, Zachary Trempe, Raymond Bruder, Reed, Trey, and Alexis Norris, and Lillian Rose Miech; one brother, Henry (Beverly) Schaefer; three sisters, Esther Cassidy, Emma Miller, and Dorothy Grimmer all of Sheboygan; and other relatives and friends.
In addition to her husband, Jerome, she was preceded in death by a brother, John Schaefer; a sister, Frieda Hernke; one grandson, Christopher Trempe; and two great-grandsons, Dylan Norris and Tristan Miech.
Funeral services will be held at 12 Noon, Friday, June 24, 2011 at Ballhorn Funeral Chapels. Rev. Gregory S. Whelton, Pastor of St. John’s United Church of Christ, will officiate. A time of visitation and support will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Entombment will follow at Gardens of Peace Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in her name for the St. John’s United Church of Christ Food Pantry.
Ruth’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Sheboygan Fire and Police Departments for their caring and compassionate service and a special thank you to the staff and friends she made at St. Nicholas Hospital Dialysis Center.
Ruth will always be remembered for her love of family and friends and her zest for life.
She will be deeply missed.
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