Kathleen M. Ruch

On July 27, 2024, Heaven gained a warrior! Kathleen M Ruch, after almost 3 years of a fearless fight against lymphoma with numerous different treatments, passed away peacefully with loved ones beside her. Kathy was born on November 8, 1949, at St Agnes Hospital, Fond du Lac, to Lyle and Eunice (Pfeiffer) Tabbert. She was baptized and confirmed at St Peter’s Ev Lutheran Church, Eldorado. She graduated from Winnebago Lutheran Academy, Fond du Lac, where she met her husband of 50 years, Rueben Ruch, Jr, who preceded her in death in 2020. After marrying Rueb on July 12, 1969, she focused on supporting her family. She had multiple jobs in her life, but her favorite was being a mom and grandmother. She would travel to any sideline, gym, classroom or anywhere to cheer on her grandchildren in all of their activities. She gained many dear friends from her and Rueben’s travels with AAL/Thrivent. She loved serving others and was a devoted member of Ladies of Faith for 50 plus years. Her favorite place to relax was in Eagle River where she had been going since she was young. Kathy is survived by her children and grandchildren: Heidi (Ryan) Kohlmetz and their children Megan (Noah) Strasser (and their children Oliver and Brynley), Macy (Michael) Shaw, and Jared Kohlmetz; Heather (Lou) Vadala and their children Matt (fiancée Ashlan), Sophia (Weston) Dorn, Isaac Vadala and Frank Vadala; Ben (Teresa) Ruch and their children Brady (Kelsey) Ruch (and their daughter Peyton and baby due soon), and Charlie (Alize’) Ruch; Ted (Steph) Ruch and their children Aiden, Landon, Henry and Avery. She is further survived by her siblings and in-laws: Sharon (Cary) Eilertson, Nancy (Don Charneski) Rudey, Bill (Kay) Tabbert, Greg (Pam Giese) Tabbert, and Beth (John) Hettwer, Shirley Gedlinske, Richard & Mary Ruch, Joanne Ruch, and Hugh (Jim Edwards) Ruch. Kathy was preceded in death by her husband Rueb, her infant grandson Geno Vadala; parents Lyle & Eunice Tabbert, mother and father-in-law Rueben Sr and Marjorie Ruch; Siblings-in-law Robert Rudey, David Gedlinske, Jim & Marilyn (Ruch) Koester, Norman Ruch, Donald & Kathleen Ruch. A special thank you to Dr. Dar, Sandy, and the entire team at the Vince Lombardi Cancer Treatment Center. As well as the Aurora Hospice Team and the Aspire Senior Living team and residents. VISITATION: The family will greet friends and relatives from 1:00 – 5:00 PM on Friday, August 2, 2024, at Faith Ev. Lutheran Church, 55 Prairie Road, Fond du Lac. SERVICE: Memorial Service will be held at 5:00 PM on Friday, August 2, 2024, at Faith Ev. Lutheran Church, with Rev. David Haugly officiating. Private family inurnment will take place at Rosendale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please consider a donation to one of these organizations- Builders for Christ or WELS Kingdom Workers. Kathy’s mantra throughout her journey with cancer became “God’s Got This!” A mantra she truly believed and repeatedly displayed throughout her entire life.

Kathleen M. Ruch

November 8, 1949 - July 27, 2024