Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandma and Great-Grandma
Age 92 of Mendota Heights, MN
Passed away peacefully on April 15, 2022. Preceded in death by her siblings and granddaughter, Rachel Ruth. Survived by her husband of 70 years, Alfred; six children, Sharon Ferrara (Tony), Nancy Klocow (Dennis), Jerome (Bonnie), Corinne Hohenwald (Mark), Jennifer Jacobs (Joel), and Joel; nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Ruth was born in Alpha, MN, a farming community. After graduating from Jackson High School, she moved to St. Paul to work for the MN State Government. She met Alfred shortly after, and they were married in September 1951. They moved from their one-bedroom apartment in 1955 to the new home they had built in Mendota Heights where they lived happily for 66 years. Ruth had a wonderful wit, listening skills, and welcoming nature. She was an excellent cook, baker and gardener, known for her Sunday dinners, strawberry jam, caramel rolls and beautiful Morning Glories. She was also quite the seamstress, with her most loving efforts demonstrated by sewing wedding dresses for each of her four daughters. She became an entrepreneur in her 50’s, starting Gerke Dry Cleaners with Al, and successfully managed the business well into her 80’s with their son, Joel. Her “pearls of wisdom” will always be treasured: “Be nice,” “Always look for the good,” and “It’s all about Jesus.” She is dearly missed and lives on in the hearts of her family forever. The family thanks Allina Hospice Nurse, Joe; Hospice Nursing Aide, Erin; and the Inver Glen Senior Living staff for their wonderful care. Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, June 25th, 2022, at Crown of Life Lutheran Church, 115 Crusader Ave. W. in West St. Paul. Visitation at 10 am, service at 11 am, luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Crown of Life Lutheran Church and American Heart Association.