Ruth E Josiger

Ruth E. Josiger, 82, Wausau, died Tuesday November 2, 2021, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital from complications of breakthrough Covid-19.

She was born September 27, 1939, in Wausau, daughter of the late Leo and Hildegard (Discher) Thomas. On February 6, 1960, she married Rodger Josiger at St. Anne Catholic Church, Wausau. He survives.

Ruth graduated from Wausau High School in 1958.

After high school, Ruth worked at Employers Insurance of Wausau until the birth of her first child, when she became a stay-at-home mom. She embraced the role of caregiver, juggling caring for her own mother, with volunteering in many activities with her children, including Girl Scout Leader and helper at St. Anne School. She further shared her time and talents with St. Anne Parish in the Fatima Council, Circle of Joy, Pre-Cana marriage preparation; bingo and communion services at Benedictine (Marywood), and serving monthly lunch at Salvation Army.

She accepted people without judgement, treating everyone she met with kindness and compassion.

Survivors include her husband Rodger; three children, Cheryl (Dewey) Allen, Wausau; Debra (Gianni) Josiger-Holzem, Neenah; Rodger R. (Jenny) Josiger, Wausau; five grandchildren, Caitlin, Benjamin, and Nathan Holzem; Nicholas and Ryan Josiger; step-grandaughter, Monica (Paul) Allen; step-great-grandchildren, Lily and Liam Wagner; two brothers, Michael (Eldonna) Thomas, Marinette; Robert (Karin) Thomas, Janesville; in-laws Bernadette Thomas, Florida; Joan Krause, Town of Texas; Kenneth Josiger, Sr., Rothschild, Sally Ellenbecker, San Diego, CA; Judy (Raymond) Dehnel, Town of Texas; Gerald “Butch” (Marjorie) Josiger, Brokaw; Carol (Daniel) Sekerka, Rosholt; Susan Morris, Mosinee; and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Wilfred (Charlotte) Thomas, Leo “Butch” Thomas, Leon (Joyce) Thomas, and Patrick Thomas; sisters Evelyn (George) Chamberlain, Patricia Schmidt, Hildegarde (August) Witter; son-in-law Richard “Rick” A. Strasser; in-laws William “Billy” (Phyllis) Josiger, Jr.; Michael (Crystal) Josiger; Anthony Ellenbecker; Albert Krause; John Morris; and Constance Josiger.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 8, 2021, at St. Anne Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Thomas Lindner will preside. Entombment will be in Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. The Mass will be live streamed on stanneswausau.org. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Fatima Council at St. Anne Church. The family thanks the staff of Aspirus Wausau Hospital for their skilled, warm-hearted care during this difficult time.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com