Ruth E. Karg

Obituary

Ruth Evelyn Karg was born on August 26, 1930, in Glencoe, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Herman and Sophie (Luehrs) Kelm. Ruth was baptized as an infant on September 21, 1930, by Pastor E. Kolbe, and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth on April 2, 1944, by Pastor Alfred Streufert, both at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe. She received her education in Glencoe and was a graduate of the Glencoe High School Class of 1948.

On May 23, 1949, Ruth was united in marriage to Albert Karg at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe by Pastor Edgar Streufert. After their marriage, the couple lived in the city of Glencoe and later moved to the country to farm dairy cattle in Glencoe Township. The couple was blessed with two daughters, Eleanor and Julia. Ruth was a loving wife, mother,  grandmother to six, and great-grandmother to 16. She was Albert’s dedicated caretaker when he battled Parkinson’s disease for many years. When he passed away on March 4, 2002, they had shared 52 years of marriage. 

Ruth was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe, the Lutheran Women Mission League (LWML), and participated in many bible studies, church functions, and activities; including, most recently, the Tuesday Morning Bible Study. She was known for her love of the bible and for praying for others. She helped others whenever she was able, and frequently drove friends who needed rides. She enjoyed playing cards at the Glencoe Senior Center and took turns hosting card games with her friends. She was a talented seamstress and sewed baby clothes for preemies to donate to the hospital nursery. She enjoyed making greeting cards and sent her entire family special cards for every one of their birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions.

Ruth was a strong, hard-working dairy farmer who was rarely seen sitting down. She enjoyed raising her chickens and feeding wild birds, especially cardinals. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-grand dog Gilly. In the kitchen, she was known for her made-from-scratch donuts, noodles, cabbage, biscuits, apple pies, ice cream, and au gratin potatoes.  Ruth cherished the time she spent with her family, friends, and neighbors. 

When she needed assistance with her care, Ruth became a resident of GlenFields Living With Care, passing away there on Friday, November 1, 2024, at the age of 94 years. Blessed be her memory.

Ruth is survived by her:
Daughter, Julia (Donald) Mathews of Willmar, MN;
Son-in-law, Larry Litzau of Glencoe, MN;
Grandchildren, Jennifer (Chad) Koenen of Hutchinson, MN, Brian (Laurie) Litzau of Glencoe, MN, Rebecca Asche of Chaska MN, Jon (Sarah) Mathews of Ames, IA, Michael (Erica) Mathews of Willmar, MN, Andrew (Darcy)  Mathews of Lake Crystal, MN;
Great-grandchildren, Owen Koenen, Ava Koenen, Paige Litzau, Nathan Litzau, Miranda Litzau, Elisabeth Mathews, Sonja Mathews, Ingrid Mathews, McKenna Mathews, Brooklyn Mathews, Aria Mathews, Asher Mathews, Brayden Mathews, Trevan Mathews, Kenley Mathews, Kysen Mathews;
Sister-in-law, Alice “Mopsy” Karg of Hutchinson, MN;
Nieces, nephews, neighbors, other relatives and friends.

Ruth was preceded in death by her Parents, Herman and Sophie Kelm; Husband, Albert Karg; Daughter, Eleanor Litzau; Grandson-in-law, Alexandre Asche; Siblings, Helen (Arnold) Luehrs, Ferdinand (Della) Kelm; Edwin (Helen) Kelm; Eileen (Maynard) Rannow, Wilmer Karg; Niece, Delores Luehrs; Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law, Ed (Verna) Karg, John (Margorie) Karg, Meta (Herb) Rolf, Victor (Marianne) Karg, Lydia (Jess) Thompson, Selma (Willard) Bielke, Esther (Allie) Witthus, Alice (Stanley) Schwalbe, Elmer Karg.