Ruth Dauterman

Ruth Kinkel Dauterman, age 96, died on March 13, 2024 at Liberty House in Fond du Lac, WI. Ruth was born on Friday, March 9, 1928 at her parents' home on Marr Street in Fond du Lac, during a blizzard. Ruth was the second child of Ernest F. and Ethel M. (nee Miller) Kinkel. She graduated from Fond du Lac High School in the Class of 1946. Ruth married John C. Dauterman at St. Peter's Lutheran Church on September 22, 1950. John and Ruth had known each other since they went to elementary school together at St. Peter's. Many of Ruth's favorite times and memories involve time spent at her parents' cottage on Green Lake. Her parents purchased the land and built the first cottage on Blackbird Point (southwestern shore) of Green Lake. Ruth and Marvin spent many summers during their lifetimes at the cottage and they worked together to continue to maintain it after their parents passing. A legacy of fond memories at the cottage, and of Green Lake in general, was thus able to be passed down to her grandchildren as they too, got to experience all that "the cottage" offered. Ruth was a charter member of Fond du Lac County Audubon Society and remained an active member over the years; serving long ago as President and more recently for many years as Secretary. Ruth was thankful for the many rewarding friendships she formed through Audubon. Ruth was also an active member of The League of Women Voters of Fond du Lac, serving as Secretary at the time of League's demise. As the representative of the League, Ruth was one of those who was instrumental in forming the Fond du Lac Recycling Co-Op which led to curbside pick-up of recyclables by the City. She was very proud of that. For many years Ruth and John enjoyed singing in the choir at Luther Memorial Church. Ruth was also a member of Fond du Lac's Women's Chorus for many years. Ruth is survived by her four children, Gregory J. Dauterman and his wife, Maggie; Kathleen (Kate) Dauffenbach and her husband, Fred; Jeffrey J. Dauterman and his wife, Terre; and Carl J. Dauterman and his wife, Mary. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and two step grandchildren, five great granddaughters and two step great grandchildren. Ruth is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John, in 2009; her brother and sister in-law, Marvin and Betty Kinkel; and one infant granddaughter Laura Beth Dauterman. Private services will be held with burial in Rienzi Cemetery.

Ruth Dauterman

March 9, 1928 - March 13, 2024