Ruth Ann Ziegler

Ruth Ziegler, 72 years of age, used the last of her nine lives on this earth, fighting to the end. She died on October 24, 2010 at the Waunakee Manor during the Packers/Vikings game with family present. Her body was battered, but her spirit lives on. In 2000, Ruth's leg was amputated after a motorcycle accident, which was followed by the discovery of kidney cancer. She later struggled with the effects of a brain tumor, all without self-pity or bitterness, a testament to her strength and character. Ruth was born on August 30, 1938 to Michael and Kunigunda (Karls) Kessenich. She graduated from St. Peter's Catholic School in Ashton and from Middleton High School. She married Joseph A. Ziegler on April 21, 1960 in Ashton and they started their family. By the end of 1964, Ruth had given birth to four of their six children. Joe and Ruth were fortunate to celebrate their 50th Anniversary this year. At the celebration, Joe toasted Ruth by saying: "Marriage is like a job. It helps if you like your boss." As a farm wife and mother on "Easy Street" outside of Waunakee, Ruth was a tough act to follow. In her younger years, she drove a snowmobile with her children on the back. In her later y...[more]

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s, she learned to drive motorcycle. She could cook for many and make something from nothing. She could drive a tractor and rock a baby. She taught 4-H members to crochet. She did what was asked from her and more. Ruth was a Packer/Brett Favre fan and enjoyed many trips with Joe. Ruth was a very good bowler and enjoyed her time at "the lanes" before the motorcycle accident. Ruth was loving and generous to all those in her life, whether in terms of food, such as her cinnamon rolls, her flower business (Royal Arrangements) or the kind support she freely gave. Later in her life she joined the Red Hatters and became a "Queen Mother". She enjoyed planning outings, attending activities and playing cards until her poor health made it impossible for her to be her usual "woman on the go". Her husband, Joe, and their children will particularly miss Ruth: Ron (Yvonne), DeForest, Randy (Dawn), Lodi, Deb (Dean Ripp), Dane, Rich (Lori) and Joe (Heather), both of rural Waunakee. Her beloved daughter, Donna, died in 1972. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Roger, Dale, Sarah (Seth Reppen), Peter, Kyle, Crystal, Dana, Jason, Deanna, Michelle, Danita, Paul, Lexi, Isabelle and Victoria. She enjoyed her two great grandchildren, Scarlett Ruth and Sidney Thomas Reppen. Family was of utmost importance to Ruth. We will miss the one legged ghost in a wheelchair that frightened us on Halloween. We will remember Ruth when we count our blessings at Thanksgiving. The lights of Christmas will not shine as brightly at least here on earth for her family. She loved to celebrate the holidays. Her brother, Larry (Toots) Kessenich, her sisters, Diane (John) Acker and Evie Bong, and a brother-in-law, Rob Schulenberg, in-laws, many nieces, nephews and friends further survive her. Her parents and a sister, Marie, also preceded her in death. Ruth was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Waunakee. She taught religious education classes when her children were young and was on the fund raising and building committee for the new church. Faith was an important part of her life. She not only "talked the talk". She "walked the walk". A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, October 28, 2010, at 11 a.m. at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, 209 South St. Waunakee with Msgr. James Gunn and Fr. Cyril Weisensel co- celebrating. A visitation will be held Wednesday, October 27th, 2010, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Winn Cress Funeral Home, 5785 Hwy. Q. Waunakee. An additional visitation will be held on Thurs. from 10:00 a. m. until the time of service at the church. Thank you to the staff at the Waunakee Manor for your gentle care of Ruth these past months. Thank you to Joe and Ruth for showing us what married love through good times and bad, sickness and health is about. Thanks for showing us that we need to get up each morning, put a smile on our faces and do our best despite the obstacles we may face. "A mother holds her children's hands for just a little while, their hearts forever!"