Ruth C. Koehler

Ruth Clare Koehler, age 95 of River Falls, WI, passed away Friday, September 13, 2019, surrounded by her loved ones at Wellhaven Assisted Living. Ruth was born March 6, 1924 to Lawrence and Freda (Joerg) Geiger in Cincinnati, Ohio. She graduated from Our Lady of Angels High School in Cincinnati, the Class of 1942. Ruth was united in marriage to Robert Koehler on June 14, 1947. Their marriage was blessed with ten children. Ruth provided a home full of unconditional love and caring, and was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. Ruth set a beautiful example for her family being strong in her faith, always being kind and gracious, and putting her best foot forward in everything she did. She had a gift in finding the sunshine, even when there were thunderstorms.

Ruth enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, and the peacefulness of being by the water. She was impressively sharp with mathematics, and liked the challenge of crossword puzzles. Ruth delighted in traveling the world with her family and friends, and had many fond memories doing so with her sister.

Ruth will remain in the hearts of her children, Cheri (Mark) Schmitt, Richard (Ellen) Koehler, Greg (Deb) Koehler, Phil (Gale) Koehler, Marty (Larry) Schweizer, Jim (Becky) Koehler, and John (Danette) Koehler; 31 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and 9 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Marian O’Brien; sister-in-law, Helen Geiger; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; 3 children, Kenny Koehler, Robbie Koehler, and Patty Borchardt; brothers, Robert (Dorothy) Geiger and Larry Geiger; brother-in-law, Robert O’Brien; sisters-in-law, Ruth (Paul) Schmidt, Eileen (Ralph) Meier, and Marian Koehler.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10:30 AM Thursday, September 19, 2019 at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 211 E. Division St., River Falls, with Fr. Richard Rhinehart officiating. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held one hour prior to Mass at the church. Interment will be held at St. Bridget Catholic Cemetery. Ruth’s grandsons will serve as urn bearers, and her granddaughters as gift bearers for her Mass.

Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of River Falls (715) 425-5644