Ruth Raedeke

Ruth Lorraine (Schoepp) Raedeke, age 89, of Rochester, Minnesota passed away at her home on December 24th, 2020. "Oh Come All Yea Faithful" was playing in the background and she had daughters Marilyn and Linda, along with her dear poodle Miniet by her side. Ruth was born to John and Lydia (Ewald) Schoepp on January 5th, 1931 in Golden Spike, Alberta, Canada. She was baptized by her grandfather Rev. Ewald who was the pastor at their church in Golden Spike. In 1942 the family moved to Edmonton where she graduated from high school. Ruth attended the University of Toronto, Royal Conservatory of Music where she graduated with a degree in teaching music and piano. Ruth married Robert Raedeke in 1949 and their marriage was blessed with 6 children. In 1951 they moved to the United States, settling in Springfield, Illinois. Ruth and Robert were later divorced. She was proud to become a naturalized US citizen in 1956. Ruth was very active in the church, teaching Sunday School, directing children's choirs and starting and leading many hand-bell choirs. Throughout the years, she also taught dozens of students the beauty of piano. Ruth enjoyed flower gardening and loved to do petit point. Ruth was a talented seamstress altering coats for Kreeger Coat Company and working at Matzkes Sewing Center. In 1984 she started a new career with the Mayo Clinic, working in X-Ray Records where she spent 10 years before retiring in 1994 to help care for her parents who still lived in Edmonton. Her church was very important to her and her love for God never wavered. Above all she loved her family, enjoyed raising her children and being a mom to many poodles over her lifetime. Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, and son, Robert Jr. She is survived by her children, John of Buffalo, MN, Pam (Tim) Aho of Fort Collins, CO, Linda (Dan) Webster of Rochester, MN, Karen (Mark) Frankel of Plymouth, MN, Marilyn (Dan) Sanford of Greenfield, MN; 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Anita Eifert of Wheaton IL, and many nephews, cousins and dear friends. Due to the ongoing pandemic, and out of an abundance of caution and love, a family service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester on January 2, 2020 at 11:00am. The memorial service will also be live streamed on Trinity's website. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Rochester, MN. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Raedeke family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com