Ruth Margaret Lepinski

Ruth Margaret (Henneman) Lepinski age 87 of River Falls, Wisconsin and formerly of Wadena, Minnesota died Sunday, October 23, 2011 at Grace Health Care in River Falls, Wisconsin. Ruth was born on January 5, 1924 in St. Cloud, Minnesota to Clarence and Irene Henneman. She was their second daughter, joining her sister, Vivian. Their brother Jim followed. She attended school in St. Cloud and graduated from St. Cloud Technical High School in 1942. She attended business school in St. Cloud and in 1944, she joined the U.S. Navy. She served until 1946 and was discharged as a Yeoman, First Class. On September 21st of that year she married David Lepinski, whom she had known since high school. After David's discharge from the Navy, he attended St. Cloud State University, and in 1953 they moved, with their oldest daughter, to Sebeka where her husband began a 30 year teaching career. They had two more children as they settled in and became a part of the Sebeka community. Ruth worked part-time at the Sebeka Drug Store as she and David raised their children. Ruth loved to knit and was expert at it. She enjoyed sewing, camping with her family and friends, snowmobiling, and playing bridge and cards of all kinds. She was an excellent cook and baker; a quality that was appreciated by her family. Ruth was a Past Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star and maintained her membership for 66 years. In 1989 Ruth and Dave moved to Wadena. They kept old friends and made new ones. They joined the Ajax Coffee Club; Ruth continued to play cards and knit. They traveled for several years, built a cabin near Emmaville, and enjoyed being with their children and grandchildren. After her husband's death in 1991, Ruth kept up with her hobbies, particularly knitting. She received accolades and gratitude for the dozens of children's sweaters and hats she made over the years for the Wadena Empty Stocking Drive. She filled her days with visits from and to family, cards, television, knitting and playing with her cat, Charlie. She went out for dinner often each week with her girlfriends ¬something she truly missed when she moved back to Sebeka in 2009 and into Heritage House Assisted Living. In 2010 she moved into Comforts of Home Assisted Living in River Falls, Wisconsin to be closer to her daughter, Janine. Countless games of Kings Comers, Yahtzee, and Bingo ensued with other residents. In September 2011, Ruth entered Grace Health Care Nursing Home in River Falls and remained there until her death. Ruth is survived by her two daughters Diane (Guy) Sharpe, Janine (Steve) Paurus, and one son, Paul (SueAnn) Lepinski, seven grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband David, one granddaughter Lindsey, her parents, her sister and brother. Active pallbearers will be her seven grandchildren - Sara, Andrew, Jamie, Heidi, Heather, Brianna, and Rachel. Members of the Olive Branch Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star will be honorary pallbearers. A Celebration of Her Life will be at 11: OO AM on Friday, October 28, 2011 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Sebeka with Pastor John Krueger officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the Sebeka West Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.