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Ruby Maude Kurtz

1912 - 2003

Ruby M. Kurtz, 90, a resident of the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake, died on Monday, May 26, 2003.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 31, at the Klemme United Methodist Church, with Rev. Paddy Druhl officiating. Interment was in the Ell Township Cemetery near Klemme. The Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home in Klemme, was in charge of the arrangements.

Organist was Madelyn Priebe and soloist was Tom Renner. Eulogists were Karo Brattrud and Kay Trampel. Ushers were Calvin Bruggeman and John Schwichtenberg.

Honorary casket bearers were Leo Gardalen, Eugene Greiman, Curtis Greiman and Don Best. Active bearers were her grandchildren, Michael Hinrichsen, Kody Trampel, Ryan Brattrud, William (Billy) Larson, Jessie Hinrichsen, Kasey Trampel, Jeanna Brattrud and Nicole Larson.

Ruby Miller, was born on September 24, 1912 in Thornton, the daughter of Erastus and Margaret (Hansen) Miller. She was raised by her grandparents, Hans and Bessie Hansen. She attended Klemme Schools, graduating in 1931.

Ruby married William (Bill) Kurtz on February 21, 1933 at the Klemme Methodist Church Parsonage. They moved to Ruby's grandfather's farm which Hans Hansen had homesteaded. In addition to assisting her husband on the farm, Ruby was a homemaker. She enjoyed her children and grandchildren and hosting family gatherings, especially their annual Christmas Eve gathering. She followed the many activities of her grandchildren and kept newspaper clippings of their accomplishments.

After her husbands death in 1966, Ruby purchased a home in Klemme, living there for 16 years. She enjoyed traveling, playing cards, cross stitching, raising flowers, and visiting with friends and family. She was a long-time member of the Grandmother's Club in Klemme and the UMW at church.

In 1982, she moved to Prairie View in Garner where she lived for 10 years. Then she moved to Oakwood in Clear Lake.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband.

Survivors include son, William (LeeAnn) Kurtz of Klemme; daughter, Karen Bender of Madison, Alabama; granddaughters, Kim Ann (Mark) Hinrichsen of Osage, Kay Trampel of Belmond, Karo (Scott) Brattrud of Clear Lake, Konnie (Donald) Larson of Garner, Michelle Bender of St. Cloud, Minnesota and Tracy Bender of Madison, Alabama; and 13 great-grandchildren.


source: ©Belmond Independent 2003

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Ruby M. Kurtz, a native of Klemme and a resident of the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake, died on Monday, May 26, 2003, at the care center. She was 90.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 31, at the Klemme United Methodist Church. The Rev. Paddy Druhl officiated. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme.

The Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home of Klemme, was in charge of the arrangements. The family suggests memorials may be given to the Klemme United Methodist Church or to the donor's choice.

Ruby (Miller) Kurtz, was born on September 24, 1912 in Thornton, the daughter of Erastus and Margaret (Hansen) Miller. In her youth she was raised by her grandparents, Hans and Bessie Hansen. She attended Klemme Schools, graduating in 1931.

Ruby was united in marriage to William (Bill) H. Kurtz on February 21, 1933, at the Klemme United Methodist Church Parsonage. Following their marriage, the couple moved to her grandfather's farm which Hans Hansen had homesteaded.

In addition to assisting her husband with the farming duties, Mrs. Kurtz was a life long home maker. She enjoyed times spent with her children and grandchildren and looked forward to hosting family gatherings.

After her husband's death in 1966, she purchased a home in Klemme, living there for 16 years. She was able to take part in many more activities. Ruby enjoyed traveling to visit her daughter, playing cards, cross stitch, and visiting with her friends and family. She was a long time member of the Grandmother's Club in Klemme and the UMCW at the Klemme United Methodist Church where she was a member. Ruby also enjoyed raising flowers.

In 1982, she moved to the Prairie View Apartments in Garner, living there for ten years. She then moved to the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake, where she resided the past ten and one-half years.

Survivors include her son, William R. "Bill" and his wife, LeeAnn Kurtz of Klemme; a daughter, Karen K. Bender of Madison, Alabama; six granddaughters, Kim Ann Hinrichsen and husband, Mark of Osage, Kay Trampel of Belmond, Karo Bratrud and husband, Scott of Clear Lake, Konnie Larson and husband, Donald of Garner, Michelle Bender of St. Cloud, Minnesota and Tracy Bender of Madison, Alabama; and 13 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband.

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