Rulea Joyce Backhaus

Rulea Joyce Backhaus, 93, of Fond du Lac, died on Friday, March 27, 2026, at her residence. She was born on August 2, 1932, in Chilton County, AL, the daughter of Odis and Ora Dell (Wilkens) Cooper. On June 4, 1960, she married Nicholas H. Backhaus in Colorado Springs, CO. Rulea was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Ironwood, MI. In her spare time, she enjoyed picking rocks, planting and admiring flowers, crafting, cooking, and anything outdoors with the sun on her face. She is famous for her story telling about the history of her life, her strong faith, making other people happy, making friends everywhere she went, and her true born Southern Baptist lifestyle. Rulea was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

She is survived by her husband, Nicholas; four children, Randall (Betty) Backhaus, Susann (Bruce) Backhaus, Nicholas A. (RJ) Backhaus, and Mary (Dan) Cooke; step-daughter, Deanna (Bob) Johnson; seven grandchildren, Kari (Richardo) Cordeiro, Amy (Tom) Schulz, Chad (Becky) Backhaus, Chad (Nicole) Wiskow, Larry (Shaina) Hannaman, Luke (Brianna) Backhaus, and Teri (Pete) Peachy; ten great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Odis and Ora Dell; daughter, Lois Lynndell; and two brothers, Larry and Winfred Cooper.

The visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow the visitation at 6:00 PM at the funeral home. Cremation will follow the service.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com