Ruth Friederich

Ruth Marie Friederich, 82 of Elgin died Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017 at Gundersen Lutheran Health System in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.

Ruth was born May 12, 1935 in rural Clayton County. She was the daughter of William and Bertha (Hofer) Rainey. 

She graduated from Elgin High School in 1954. 

On March 31, 1955 she was united in marriage to Russell Friederich at the Elgin Lutheran Church. 

Ruth worked as the Elgin City librarian and then she owned and operated the Friederich Insurance Agency in Clermont and Elgin with her son, Steven. 

Ruth was a very caring woman, a great cook and enjoyed hosting large family Christmas celebrations. She loved to golf and was a club champion numerous times at the Elkader Golf Course and Pleasant Valley Sport Course. She liked bowling, crossword puzzles, slots at the boat, Yahtzee, attending auctions and reading. She was a good mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. 

She is survived by one son, Steven of Elgin; three daughters, Connie Popelar (Ed) of Cedar Rapids, Bonnie Friederich of Elgin and Karen Friederich of Cedar Rapids; two grandchildren, Cassie Peterson (Kris) of Clermont and Stephanie Loftsgard (Nate Martin) of Coon Valley; three great-grandchildren, Waylon and Lawson Peterson and Clayton Loftsgard; a sister, Nora Cousins of Jesup; one brother, Kenneth Rainey of Illinois; and special friend Jerry Medberry of Elgin.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Russell on Oct. 13, 1990; two sisters, Barbara Dennler and Shirley Drenkhahn. 

Funeral services will be Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017 at 11 am at Elgin Lutheran Church. The Rev. David Coffin will officiate.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 pm on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Elgin and one hour before services at the church.

Interment will be at the Elgin Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Elgin Legion, Schori Park Fund, or the NFVCC