Ruth M. Olbrantz

Ruth M. Olbrantz, 91, Marathon, died Monday, June 12, 2017 at the Hospice House, Wausau, surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 29, 1925, in Marathon, daughter of the late Charles and Meta (Lemke) Schroeder. On March 8, 1947, she married Leonard Olbrantz at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau and they celebrated 70 years of marriage together this March. He preceded her in death on May 22, 2017. Ruth was a homemaker who was proud to have children in three different decades. She also worked at the former Miller's Meat Market in Marathon. Ruth was an excellent cook, baker, canner and her kitchen was always open, being lovingly referred to as "Ruthies Grill". She was known to pack the best picnic basket and always knew what to say to reassure her children in whatever they needed. Some of her hobbies included completing crossword puzzles, playing board games and cards, watching the game show channel, Packers and Brewers, embroidering dish towels, attending her grandchildren's events and occasional trips to the casino. She was a lifelong member of St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran Church, Marathon and was very involved at church in the Mission Circle, Ladies Aid and Altar Guild. She was known as the "chauffer" because she would pick up the elderly and take them to and from church. In recent years Ruth enjoyed the many visits from Pastor Hadler when she couldn't attend church services anymore. Serving as past president, Ruth was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary for over 60 years. Ruth was a caregiver for her son, Leonard and also her mother, Meta. Survivors include her children, Lia (Dave Brod) Klumpyan, Larry (Catherine) Olbrantz, Linda (Ken Cole) Olbrantz, Lois (Cliff) Laska, Luanne (Robert) Wiesman and Leon Olbrantz; one daughter-in-law, Rita Passow; grandchildren, Len (Jenny) Olbrantz, Kim (Keith) Marquardt, Kevin (Jennifer Orshak) Klumpyan, Craig (Rebecca) Klumpyan, Cara (Dan) Geyser, Jamie (Matthew) Gorajski, Natalie (Derrick) Deese, Rick (Karla) Radtke, Chris Radtke, Lisa Laska, Holly (Scott Ohmart) Laska, Andrew (Becki) Wiesman and Greta Wiesman; 17 great-grandchildren; three nephews, Bob (Diane), Jim and Dale Fitzke. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Leonard Jr., infant grandson, Scott, sons-in-law, Richard Klumpyan and Randy Lodholz, sister, Lillian (Milton) Fitzke and an infant brother and sister. Funeral services will be at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, June 17, 2017 at St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran Church, Marathon. Rev. Jon Hadler will officiate. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Marathon. Visitation will be Saturday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of services all at St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran Church, Marathon. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to caregivers, Niki and Ruth, with a special thanks to Debbie Marzynski as well as the staff at Hospice House and Astia Health for the kind, compassionate care given to Ruth. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com