Ruth E. Janzen

Ruth E. Janzen, 94, a longtime resident of Fond du Lac died with her family at her side on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at ManorCare Nursing Home. Ruth was born on September 24, 1921, the daughter of Hiram and Lena (Hirsig) Bixby. She graduated with the first graduating class of Horace Mann High School in 1939.

Ruth married Joseph L. Janzen, her loving husband of 70 years, on September 26, 1942, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Ruth worked at the McCullough and Devine Clinic for 26 years.

Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, Joe, and 3 brothers; Elmer, Kenneth and Roy Bixby and 1 sister, Mildred Bentley. Survivors include a sister, Gladys Nachtwey, and a brother, Hub Bixby; and also her 2 children, Bonnie (Steve) Georg and Joe (Paulette Rocklewitz) Janzen, all of Fond du Lac; 7 grandchildren; Michael (Julie) Georg, Suzanne (Scott) Boal, Mark (Jen) Georg, Matt Georg, Christine (Alex) Zantiny, Lori (Ted) Namur, and Aaron Rocklewitz. Ruth also has 14 great-grandchildren; Patrick and Audrey Georg, Dylan Boal, Colin, Ryan, Evan and Chloe Georg, Halley, Mia and Ava Georg, Catherine and Peter Zantiny, Anna and Charles Namur. Lastly, she is survived by her special niece, Barbara Patrick of Fort Worth, Texas. For the past 3 years, Ruth looked forward to Barbara’s weekly letters.

Ruth had many interests. She enjoyed reading, knitting, crocheting, and crafting. She also loved traveling and playing golf with her husband, Joe. Ruth was well-known for her love for baking, especially desserts and chocolate chip cookies for her husband and children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. There were special requests for her recipes and they all looked forward to receiving their special tin of Christmas cookies each year. Ruth enjoyed sports and was an avid Brewer and Packer fan.

Visitation for Ruth will be from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 N. Park Ave. in Fond du Lac. Liturgy of the Word Services will be held at 12:00 PM with Deacon Ricardo Munoz officiating. Burial will follow in St. Charles Cemetery, Fond du Lac.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff at ManorCare and Heartland Hospice, for their care, compassion, and love of Ruth.