Ruth J. Janssen

Ruth J. Janssen of West Bend passed away on Monday, October 12, 2015. A memorial service for Ruth will be held on Friday, November 13, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home, N7199 N. Crystal Lake Road, Beaver Dam with the Rev. Eric Kirkegaard officiating. A visitation will also be held on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. A private family inurnment will be at Graceland Cemetery in Mayville. Ruth was born the daughter of Sylvan and Regina (Scholz) Hallet on April 26, 1926 in Milwaukee. On January 28, 1949, she was married to George W. Janssen in Milwaukee. Ruth was a graduate of Milwaukee – Downer College and a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. She taught for two years at Milwaukee – Downer College. She began her life’s passion in 1969, when she started teaching United States History at Berlin High School. Ruth provided guidance and encouragement to many students throughout the years at Berlin High School. She was a trusted teacher and confidant to many. Ruth was a member of the Garden Club and Friends in Council. She was also an avid bridge player. She attended the United Church of Christ in Berlin and Peace United Church of Christ in Kewaskum. She had also been a volunteer at Cedarburg Lake Home in West Bend. Ruth and her husband spoke fluent English and German throughout their lives. Ruth is survived by her daughters: Heidi (Greg) Kolton of Phoenix, AZ and Kristin (Jim) Krause of Beaver Dam; her five grandchildren: Catherine Kolton, Alex Kolton, Breahan Kolton, Katie (Kevin) Bedker and Dan Krause; four great grandchildren: Charlotte, Nolan, Owen and Sonia; and her sister Mary Magnin of Sister Bay, WI. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband George in 2009, her brother Syl and her sister Marilyn. The family strongly wishes that memorials be directed to a scholarship fund at Berlin High School that will be established in Ruth’s name. The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home, Beaver Dam is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com.