Ruth Remmen

Wednesday, February 8, 2017 3:39 pm

Ruth Remmen, 91, of Decorah, died Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah. A memorial service was at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church in Decorah, with Rev. Jenny Edinger officiating. Organist was Paul Bruvold (“Here I Am, Lord,” “Day By Day,” “Borning Cry” and “Beautiful Savior”). Interment was in Washington Prairie Cemetery in Decorah.

Ruth Avon (Bullard) Remmen was born Aug. 11, 1925, to Ralph and Agnes (Sjoboen) Bullard on the family farm in Springfield township. She was baptized at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church and confirmed there June 4, 1939. Ruth attended country school and later graduated from Decorah High School in 1942. Ruth married Glenn Remmen Aug. 16, 1944, at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church. She worked at the Luther College library for many years. Ruth also was the church organist at Washington Prairie for 19 years. She enjoyed gardening, listening to music, color, flowers, animals, reading historical fiction, bird watching and coffee with friends. Ruth was a member of the Peon-y club, the Washington Prairie Lutheran Church and the Mary circle.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Glenn; daughter, Nancy (Bruce) Layton, Bethesda, Md.; two grandchildren, Laurie (Cory) Ellingson, Lawler; and Carolin (Sherman Watts) Remmen, Decorah; one great-grandchild, Kaitlyn Humpal, Des Moines.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Agnes (Sjoboen) Bullard; son, Steve Remmen; daughter-in-law, Carol (Harris) Remmen; son-in-law, Richard Paine; granddaughter, Karith Remmen; brothers-in-law, Rudy (Velma) Remmen and Olaf (Marie) Remmen; sister-in-law, Anna (Morris) Olson.