Ruth A. Haskenhoff

Ruth A. Haskenhoff

Ruth Ann Haskenhoff, daughter of Adam and Nellie Haag Potratz, was born April 24, 1937, at Sumner, Iowa. She was baptized on December 31, 1949, at the Baptist Church in Elgin and confirmed April 15, 1962, at St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner. She received her education in the Sumner Schools, graduating from Sumner High School in 1955.

On January 12, 1958, she was united in marriage with Herman Haskenhoff at the E.U.B. Church which is now the Baptist Church in Sumner. Ruth and her husband farmed near Sumner with Ruth doing much of the farming as Herman worked at John Deere & Co. in Waterloo. Ruth was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church where she participated in the church choir and WELCA. She was active in many community Bible studies and also Woman Aglow. At one time she was a member of the Legion Auxiliary, was an avid birdwatcher, and enjoyed many different crafts. One of her favorite things was the pond at the home farm where she spent many hours appreciating nature.

Following a brief illness, her death occurred on Wednesday, July 27, 2011, at University Hospitals in Iowa City. She was seventy-four years old.

Ruth is survived by her children, Debra (Joe) Walentosky of Denver, Colorado, Denise (John) Poland of Peoria, Illinois, and Daniel (Tina Knebel) of Dunkerton; four grandchildren, Laura, Benjamin, Andrew, and Kellie; and three sisters, April Adler of Aurora, Colorado, Carol Potratz of Tsu, Japan, and Dixie (Vic) Lehman of Fargo, North Dakota.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Herman in 1999; her parents; a brother, Larry; and three sisters, Mary, Eva, and Cindy.

Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m., Monday, August 1, 2011, at St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner with Rev. William Runaas, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow at Wilson Grove Cemetery in Sumner. Friends may call from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 31, 2011, at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner and for one hour preceding services at the church on Monday. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the North American Baptist Conference, designated to Ruth’s sister, Carol Potratz, who is currently serving as a missionary in Japan. Please make the check out to North American Baptist Conference with Haskenhoff Memorial written in the subject line and send it to N.A.B.; P.O. Box 1910, Folsom, CA 95763.

Patty Winter Wenthe on September 17, 2011 at 12:17 PM said:

I remember going to Ruth and Herman's as a high schooler with Cindy when she would babysit Debbie, Denise and Daniel.

You all were such a warm, wonderful, welcoming and lovely family. I was very lucky to have known you all.

My deepest sympathies - had I known - I would have truly enjoyed seeing you once again.

Gerhard and Marilyn Hiob on August 4, 2011 at 7:52 PM said:

To Carol and her extended family. Our condolences in the passing of your sister Ruth. May you feel God's comfort at this time and cherish your memories of Ruth.

Dennis & Gail on August 4, 2011 at 5:54 PM said:

Ruth's & Herman's home was always a friendly port in a storm. (Figuratively and literally, as a biker east of Sumner). Thanks for games and sheltering me in the unexpected summer storms. And thanks for helping to support me through college.

Peggy & Jeff on August 2, 2011 at 10:57 AM said:

My husband and I would like to convey our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of your beloved Ruth. We would like to share with you something that has brought us much comfort at a similar time in our lives. John 11:14-44 shares with us the experience of Jesus resurrecting Lazarus here on earth before the very eyes of those he loved. We can only imagine the tears of joy when we too are reunited with our dear loved ones. (John 5:28,29) Ruth will surely be missed by many of those who's lives she shared, remember the experiences you shared together and learn from them, hold them close to your heart and cherish them. May you find comfort from those who surround you at this very difficult time. Our sincere condolences to all of you.

Tom & Judy Harland on August 1, 2011 at 7:08 AM said:

We send our sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We lived neighbors for many years and remember good times with your family. May God give you all strengeth through this difficult time. Keep the memories..

Tom & Judy Harland on August 1, 2011 at 7:07 AM said:

Kerri & Mark Sellman on August 1, 2011 at 5:31 AM said:

Dear Dixie and Vic and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We are thinking of all of you. Love, Kerri, Mark, Joanna, and Julia Sellman

Scott Henry & Terri Peterson-Henry on July 31, 2011 at 9:26 PM said:

You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Dixie, Carol and April we are sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. What a blessing that April could be with Ruth this summer and that Dixie was able to be with her last week. Ruth had such loving support from all of her sisters and family members.
Our Condolences.

Larry Steinbronn on July 31, 2011 at 7:42 PM said:

Dan and Tina,

I am very sorry for your loss

Larry Steinbronn

Steve Loshman on July 31, 2011 at 3:17 PM said:

Hey Dan I am sorry to hear about your mother. Gina told me about it the other day. Sorry we did not see you at the reunion. Once again I am sorry for what you are going through. Steve

Carolyn White on July 30, 2011 at 7:35 PM said:

Many Cousins Potratz and Haag will miss Ruth she kept us all informed. Our thoughs will be that we will meet her in heavan.

Aileen Wright on July 30, 2011 at 8:11 AM said:

Carol and family: I was shocked and saddened to hear from you Carol that Ruth had died. I so enjoyed the time I spent with Ruth when you took me to visit her - can't believe that was 9 years ago! You will all be in my prayers as you gather to remember and celebrate Ruth's life. 1Thess.4: 13,14

Steve and Barb Grabill on July 29, 2011 at 8:13 AM said:

We are so sad to hear about Ruth. We have been praying for all of you, and we know Ruth has really big wings in Heaven, she was always an inspiration to me in many ways. Her love of Jesus, nature, and her family. She was so creative and it was a joy to be able to come to the farm to photograph family with her showing me great places to go, including the pond the last time! I will miss her! May God's promises give you peace as you wait to see her again. love, Barb

Phil and Jane Bailey on July 29, 2011 at 6:10 AM said:

We are sad to hear of Ruth's passing from this eartly life but rejoice that she is in heaven. We sorrow but with hope (1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18). Our sympathy and heartful hugs go to sisters April, Dixie, and Carol and to all the family. May the peace and comfort of Christ surround your entire family and may you feel his presence and grace to bear you through these days of grief. Much love, Phil and Jane Bailey

Marian and Vernon DeWerff on July 29, 2011 at 5:49 AM said:

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all---especially sisters April, Dixie and Carol plus all her children. She is rejoicing in heaven already and is with her heavenly Father. May you find comfort in knowing how much you sisters all loved and cared for each other. She will be missed but there still won’t be a lull in the conversation as you all will find plenty to talk about.

Our sympathy and soooooooooo much LOVE is sent your way.

colleen Naughton on July 29, 2011 at 4:34 AM said:

Special thoughts are with you all as you mourn the loss of Ruth and celebrate her life.

Velma ( Ferguson) Jones on July 28, 2011 at 7:48 PM said:

We send our sympathy to Ruth's family. God bless all of you.

Sally Duhrkopf on July 28, 2011 at 5:59 PM said:

I rejoice in the life of Ruth - she lived her life close to her faith and was comforted by the "peace that passes all understanding." It my prayer her family will be comforted by the peace Ruth now enjoys in the arms of her Lord and Saviour! Blessed be her memory

Carol Volker-Mutschler on July 28, 2011 at 4:33 PM said:

We were so sorry to hear of Ruth's death. She was a very special lady with many gifts and talents. Ruth was always interesting to talk with. She had great faith and a good friend to many. Ruth will be missed.LA

Rupert Kneef on July 28, 2011 at 4:18 PM said:

0ur sympathy and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. I have known Ruth Ann since we were in third grade.

Rupert Kneef
SHS class of 1955

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