Ruth Ann Korder

WINONARuth Ann Korder (Putz), 77Ruth A. Korder of Winona, Minnesota passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 3, 2014, surrounded by family, at Gunderson Health Systems in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.She was born in Owatonna, Minnesota to the late Raymond Putz and Bernice Malles (Putz, Busch) on March 20, 1937. She was so small she could fit in a shoe box and almost did not survive the harsh March weather. Her father died in a tragic fire early in her life and her mother then married the late Alfred Engel.The family moved to a farm outside of Cochrane, Wisconsin. Ruth learned to bake in her mother's kitchen, played the organ at church, and loved to sing. As she grew older, Ruth became a farm girl that wanted to escape the farm and see the world.Ruth Putz married Eugene F. Korder on July 30, 1955. That began their fifty-nine year love affair and the start of their family of five. Sherri (Millner) came along in 1956. Dean followed in 1959. Vance in 1960. Kristi (Beeman) in 1964. And Casey in 1965. Their large family in tow, Ruth and Eugene moved where the Air Force took them, including stops in Vandenberg Air Force Base in California and Plattsburg Air Force base in New York. The travel and the constant relocating instilled Ruth with an appetite for travel which, in her later years, she would share with her family and siblings. When Eugene's father died, the family made the decision to move closer to home and this landed the family in Winona, Minnesota where they have lived for over four decades.Besides being a devoted wife and mother, Ruth was always working to help support her family while Eugene was in the Air Force and after he retired. She worked at St. Mary's University, Hal Leonard Publishing, and then as business manager and financial planner for the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. She coordinated volunteers and brought the parish into the modern age with her knowledge of computers. Ruth loved the pursuit of knowledge and continually challenged herself to learn. One of her proudest moments was in 1996 when she earned her Bachelors Degree as a Certified Public Accountant from Winona State University at the young age of 59.Ruth was a vivacious woman whose life of love and happiness was spread in part to all who crossed her path. Family and friends were Ruth's life and inspiration. She was the calendar grandma at Christmas and the homemade birthday card great grandma who always seemed to remember everyone's special day.Halloween was one of her favorite holidays. In 2002, her great grandchildren cajoled her into having a haunted house. She couldn't refuse. That was the start of a new tradition that still carries on. Ruth always involved any and all children that wanted to help and participate. It has always been a special event for all involved.Ruth's artistic vision was articulated in many ways. Once running a small ceramic studio in the basement of her home and, after she retired, working at the local scrapbook store, Scrapper's Haven, teaching classes and spending most of her earnings on supplies. She enjoyed crafts, sewing, trying new recipes, quilting, knitting, puzzles, games, crossword puzzles, cooking shows, and reading every and any book she could get her hands on; even the electronic variety with her Ipad.She continually sought new creative outlets and there was nothing she couldn't tackle. From building bookcases, insulating garages, wallpapering, and painting, she was an avid home decorator and remodeler.She had a fondness for the New York Yankees and the Green Bay Packers. As a die-hard Packer fan she took many trips with her husband and family to the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field. When the Packers offered public stock options she had to buy a piece of her favorite team. She proudly displayed her share in her "Packer Room," She loved Brett Farve, even when he spent two years in a purple jersey!But above all, Ruth loved her family. She loved having a houseful of people for Easter and Christmas dinners. Amid the chaos her warm personality, her sense of humor, and her touch of sarcasm came through. She was not afraid to speak her mind, but also was the first to offer encouragement and support when needed. She was quiet and thoughtful and protective of her family. Ruth will be dearly missed because she was the glue that has held us all together for so many years.In the past few years, Ruth has dedicated herself to her husband, Eugene, after he suffered a stroke. If you wanted to know what true love was, all you had to do was see the two of them interact. She cared for him with a warm heart, a gentle touch, absolute love, and tucked him into bed every night with a song.Ruth is survived by her brothers: Jerry (Jan) Putz, Robert Engel, William (Betty) Engel, her sisters: Rose Mary (John) Staige, Susan (Michael) Ellis, and Lucy (Anthony) Wolfe, her daughters: Sherri (Jerry) Millner, Kristi (Bob) Beeman, her sons: Casey Korder, Dean Korder. And her loving husband Eugene. She also leaves a legacy of six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.. She was preceded in death by her father, Raymond Putz, her mother, Bernice Malles/Putz/Engel/Busch, her brother, Ron Putz, and her son, Vance Korder.Visitation will be held Thursday, August 7, at 9:30 a.m. at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 360 Main Street Winona, Minnesota. A Memorial Prayer service, officiated by Father Tom Neihaus of Mankato, will follow in the church at 10:30 a.m.. A luncheon will be served in the church basement immediately following the service. Come and help us celebrate Ruth's lush life. As Ruth would have wanted it, all are welcome.Ruth's final interment will be held at a later date at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota.In lieu of flowers, please consider food and household gift cards to ensure the continued support of her husband, Eugene.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/513517