Ruth Marie Vater

Ruth Marie Vater peacefully entered her heavenly home on Friday, December 4, 2015. She had been a resident of the Villa at St. Brigid's for the past 6 ½ years.
Ruth was born on January 16, 1922 in New Ulm, MN to Alfred and Dena (Poehler) Struss. After graduation from Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Ruth taught at Lutheran (WELS) schools at St. Stephen's in Beaver Dam, WI and St. John's in Sleepy Eye, MN. On July 11, 1959 she married Walter W. Vater at her home church, St. Paul's, New Ulm, MN. Following her marriage she taught at Garden Homes in Milwaukee, WI and St. Peter's in Weyauwega, WI. She retired after 40 years of teaching and continued to live in Weyauwega. She and her husband were able to travel during their retirement, including two trips to Europe to see the passion play in Germany. She enjoyed reading and knitting. In 2009, they moved to St. Brigid's in Red Wing to be closer to his daughter, Judy. She attended St. John's Lutheran Church in rural Goodhue as long as her health permitted.
Ruth is survived by her step-daughter, Judy (Curtis) Vieths of Goodhue; three step-grandchildren, Darren (Jinny) Vieths, Jessica Fitzgerald, and Christina (Brandon) Lexvold, all of Goodhue; five step-great-grandchildren, Brianna Fitzgerald and Max, James, Evy, and Ruby Lexvold; and cousins from the New Ulm area.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter, on September 26, 2010 after 51 years of marriage and by her parents, Alfred and Dena Struss.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 10, 2015 at St. John's Lutheran Church in rural Goodhue with Reverend James Bourman officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, December 9 and one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are preferred to St. John's Lutheran Church or School. Arrangements are by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.