Barbara Jane Ruetz

Barbara (nee: Stumpenhorst) Jane Ruetz, 91, passed away on Sunday, February 4, 2024 at St. Monica's Senior Living. Barbara was born November 29, 1932 in Blue Hill, Nebraska to Adolph and Mayme (nee: Wallace) Stumpenhorst. Barb was a graduate of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Dubuque, Iowa. She married Howard Peter Ruetz June 2, 1953 at Nativity Catholic Church in Dubuque and resided in Racine ever since. Howard preceded her in death on July 2, 1999. Barb was a registered nurse at St. Mary's Hospital for over 20 years, then worked as a visiting nurse for Racine Visiting Nurses Association, later All Saint's VNA, and Hospice, retiring in 1996. She dedicated her life to her husband and family. Her greatest accomplishment was ensuring that all her children attended and completed college. Survivors include seven daughters and one son; Kathy Christiansen of Mount Pleasant, Terri (John) Wilson of Punta Gorda, FL, Janis Ruetz of Palm Desert, CA, Dr. Sharon Ruetz (Dr. Tim) Smith of Burlington, WI, Margie (Jim) Carrington of Mount Pleasant, WI, Marlene (Dave) Hemings of Duluth, GA, Sue (Kirk) Hackbarth of Burlington and Joe (Julie) Ruetz of Franklin, WI; grandchildren, Craig Christiansen, Katie (Dr. Nick) Zumwalde, Mark (Jen) Christiansen, Nikki Wilson, John Wilson, Rachel Ruetz, Joe (Jess) Ruetz, Jake (Mel) Ruetz, Sam Ruetz, Dr. Allison (Matt) DeLorme, Michelle (Ben) Courtois, Kelli (Ben) Robers, Dr. Maggie (Dr. Carl) Meyer, Jimmy Carrington, Kelsey Carrington, Andrew Hemings, Michael Hemings, Jonathan Hemings, Sara Hackbarth, Anna Hackbarth, and Kyle Hackbarth; great-grandchildren, Henry, Jayne, Grace, Luke, Emma, Lucas, Levi, Gwen, Parker, Carson, Noah, Hannah, Harper, and Kohen; nieces, nephews and other family members. In addition to her parents and husband, Barb was preceded in death by her sister, Patricia Lauer, and brother-in-law, George Ruetz. Family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 Noon on Friday, February 16, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2201 Northwestern Ave. with a visitation from 11:00 a.m. until time of Mass. Barb will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Catherine’s High School, John Paul II Academy or one's favorite charity.

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Barbara Jane Ruetz

November 29, 1932 - February 4, 2024