Ruth Marg

RUTH A. MARG

Ruth Adeline (Abraham) Marg passed into the arms of her heavenly Father on Sunday, November 12, 2017 at her apartment at Sugar Loaf Senior Living in Winona, Minnesota.  She was born to Walter and Adeline (Buermann) Abraham on November 29, 1934 at 708 E. Howard St., Winona, MN.   She was baptized on Christmas Day 1934, and later confirmed at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church on March 18, 1951.

Ruth married Donald Marg July 18, 1953 and they farmed in rural Minneiska, Mt. Vernon Township, until moving to Winona in January 1986, at which time their son Bob took over the farm.  Ruth was very active in several organizations while Don continued to drive out to and help with the farm.

Ruth enjoyed sewing and was an accomplished seamstress. When her children were older, she worked as a clothing seamstress at Allen’s Fashion, and then sewing drapes at Engrav’s in Winona. She made baptismal gowns for each of her grandchildren, as well as baby blankets for each of her great-grandchildren. She sewed many costumes for the plays at Winona Senior High School.  Ruth also worked as a clerk at Bloedow’s Bakery for a few years.

She enjoyed baking, reading, watching tv, politics, and keeping records of the ever-changing family tree.  She volunteered with the youth group at St. Martin’s for about 12 years, served on the church salary committee, mission board, and as a church greeter.  She was a school board member from 1986 - 1989; however, she attended board meetings as a citizen for over 30 years.  She was a member of S.O.F.A. (Save Our Fine Arts) at Winona Senior High School for 20 years. She loved volunteering with this group and so enjoyed seeing the students in the musicals doing such a great job.

Ruth was an active member of St. Martin’s until she entered Sugar Loaf Senior Living, and even then, she was interested in what was happening at church, in the community, with the school board, and with politics.  She was a member of the Executive Council Team at Sugar Loaf Senior Living.

Both Don and Ruth were good role models, involved in their children's lives, and ensured each child had many opportunities and a Christian upbringing. Ruth spent many years and countless hours driving her children to many school and church activities.

Don and Ruth raised seven children who, along with their spouses, are James (Sondra) Marg, Cabot, AR; David (Sandra) Marg, San Antonio, TX; Robert (Elayne) Marg, Minneiska, MN; Cynthia (Terry) Jensen, Stewartville, MN; Sharon (Stephen) Paul, Fort Myers, FL; Gregg (Susan Steck) Marg, Mankato, MN; and Patricia (Mark) Bauer, Kasson, MN.

Grandchildren are Elizabeth Marg; Kyle (Jennifer) Marg, Charles (Paige) Marg, and Lindsey Marg; Rebecca (Chris) Kehr, Audrey (Terry) Bauer, Katy (Tim) Rowan, Ken Marg, Stacy (Andy) Bruels, and Daniel (Jessie) Marg; Adam Colbenson, Karen Colbenson (Joe Eveslage), and Laura Colbenson (Eric Pater); Rachael (Andrew) Johnson, and Michael Paul; Molly Marg (Wade Barnes), Shannon (Steven) Heitner, and Benjamin Marg; Philip Bauer, Joel Bauer and Leah Bauer; and step-grandchild Jason Jensen (Sarah).

Great grandchildren are:  Donovan Marg; Austin Kehr, Caleb and Caitlyn Bauer; Hunter, Cameron and Lucas Rowan; Aaron Bruels; Acer and Bellis Colbenson; Wilder Eveslage; Lucas and Amelia Johnson; Riley Heitner; step great-grandchildren, Koral, Lilya and Mara Jensen.

Ruth is also survived by brothers Robert (Lois) Abraham, Richard (Merida) Abraham, and sisters-in-law Ruth Abraham, Elinor Abraham and Evelyn Marg, as well as many nieces and nephews and dearly loved life-long friends Shirley and Joe Kamrowski.  Shirley and Ruth knew each other from childhood and were sisters in spirit.

Those who preceded Ruth to heaven include her husband Donald (March 12, 2015), parents, Walter and Adeline Abraham, in-laws, Carl and Minnie Marg, and beloved grandson Christopher Marg.  Also brothers, Ken Abraham and his first family, Iva, Susan, and Mark; and Allyn Abraham.  In-laws: George Marg and his son William; Bonnie and Irvin Wadewitz, their two infant boys, and their daughter Ruth.

Grandchildren write, "My grandma always gave us so much love and would tell us she loved us and show us in her own ways. She always brought treats. And homemade tomato juice. And gramma skeds. And Christmas ornaments. And Bloedow’s donuts. She was a talented baker and seamstress. She was tough as nails and was often was criticized for being so outspoken. But we loved her for it. She was sharp as a whip, quick with a comeback and smart in so many ways. She read all kinds of books. She knew what she stood for and wasn’t afraid to say it. She cared about people, especially her children, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She cared about public schools and made her voice heard as a board member, at board meetings, and in the newspaper. Her house was always warm and inviting, and we always knew we could raid her fridge for candy, pop, and cheese slices in the wrapper (or fresh baked cookies on paper bags on the counter.) She had the best toys. She always sent birthday cards. She thought about others. She loved us. We have been so blessed to have her as a grandmother, because she was just so good at being Gramma."

Per her wishes, Ruth was cremated. Visitation will be held from 5 PM until 7 PM on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, and again from 12 Noon until the funeral service at 1 PM on Friday, November 17, 2017, at St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.   The Reverend Richard A. Moore will officiate. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the local Lutheran Hour Ministry or Foundation for Winona Area Public Schools.

Online condolences may be left at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski -Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.