Ruth Ann Salzmann

Ruth Salzmann, 96, Wausau, died Sunday, December 11, 2011 at Wausau Manor, with her family at her side. Ruth was born to John and Josephine (Zimmerman) Breit on January 15, 1915 near Junction City, Wis., the second oldest of nine children. Raised on the family farm, the always studious Ruth went on to graduate from Stevens Point Teachers College. She taught in a one-room schoolhouse near Milladore, Wis. for three years, before marrying Henry Salzmann in June of 1937. Ruth and Henry settled into the home that Henry built at 1207 W. Thomas Street in Wausau, where they raised five children. Ruth returned to teaching 4th and 5th grades in 1960 at Holy Name School in Wausau and later at St. Mary's School in Marathon, Wis., retiring in 1980. She continued substitute teaching until she was 80 years old. Ruth and Henry were long time parishioners at Holy Name Parish. Ruth was an avid gardener and preserver of the harvest and a talented seamstress for her family. She enjoyed reading, traveling, baking and Scrabble. Ruth was a creative soul who rose to any challenge but had a gentle nature. Ruth was preceded in death by her son Terrance in 1956 and husband Henry in 1998. Ruth is survived by her daughters, Audre (Chuck) Sautter, Minneapolis MN; Jeanette (Jake) Felix, Portland OR; Joy (Tim) Scullin, Mosinee WI; and son, Ben (Ann) Salzmann, Kohler WI. She is further survived by six grandchildren, Kasha (Brad) Bonnell, Thomas (Diane) Breuning, Nathan (Sue Bechmann) Felix, Rebecca (Mark) Coplin, Andrew (Sabitha) Salzmann , Emily (Michael) Thiel and 12 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a dear sister and brother-in-law Phyllis and Harvey Mayer, Wisconsin Rapids and a sister-in-law Cina (Ray) Breit, Wisconsin. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Wausau. Rev. David Rybicki and Rev. Robert Thorn will preside. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Marathon. Friends may call Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. The family is thankful to many people who cared for Ruth over the years, including Dr. Rick Reding, Rev. Gerry Pehler and Rev. Robert Thorn who ministered at Wausau Manor, the caring staff at Wausau Manor who made Ruth feel safe and comfortable for the past 6 years, and the team at AseraCare Hospice. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Ruth's name at Wausau Manor. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com