Ruth Helen Woldt

Ruth Helen Woldt (nee Kleinke), daughter of Walter and Loraine Kleinke, was born on November 22, 1931, in Watertown, WI. She was granted spiritual rebirth through Holy Baptism on December 6, 1931, at Trinity Lutheran, Watertown, WI. She made a public confession of the faith planted in her by the Holy Spirit when she was confirmed on March 25, 1945, at St. Peter’s Lutheran in Fond du Lac, WI. Her confirmation verse was John 17:3. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (KJV)

Ruth graduated from Winnebago Lutheran Academy in 1949. After graduation, she participated in an accelerated program at Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN, designed to place qualified high school graduates as teachers in Lutheran classrooms. She was called to teach at Jerusalem Lutheran School in Milwaukee. Her exceptional penmanship also led to a job at the Register of Deeds office in Milwaukee.

On December 26th, 1953, Ruth was united in marriage to Alfons Woldt who was principal of Atonement Lutheran School in Milwaukee. Their marriage of 60 years was blessed with four children: Michael (Elizabeth), Lori (Al) Greschner, Jon (Donna), and Amy (James) Bruss. Ruth was dedicated to serving her family as she “kept the home fires burning.” Ruth also worked from home as a bookkeeper for a CPA. Her children have memories of hearing the adding machine churning away after their evening prayers.

Alfons and Ruth were founding members and avid supporters of the Organization of WELS Lutheran Seniors (OWLS). Ruth was also a regular volunteer at the WELS Bargain Center and a faithful Pen Pal for WELS Prison Ministry. In their empty nest years, they enjoyed traveling together and spending time at their cabin near Montello. Ruth was also actively involved with the ministry of Shepherd of the Hills, well into her eighties. She was a meticulous proof-reader of any written materials the church sent her way. Friends and acquaintances often commented .about her pleasant smile and caring nature.

On July 4, 2026, after reaching the age of 94 years, 7 months, and 12 days, Ruth was called to be with Jesus in heaven. Her family will remember that day as a day of freedom for her. Freedom from sorrow, pain, struggles, and fear. Freedom to fully enjoy her life with Christ.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Alfons Woldt, her grandchildren David Woldt and Emily Woldt, her sister, Lois Krantz, her special cousin Marilyn (Stan) Quinn, her brothers and sisters-in law: Franklin (Vera) Woldt, Margaret (Rutheford) Butt, Ruth (Milton) Lemke.

Ruth is survived by her children and their spouses; her grandchildren: Joseph (Julia) Woldt, Jacob (Kami) Woldt, Amanda (Benjamin) Ziesemer, Megan (Stephen) Pankow, Alicia (Derek) Campbell, Jon (Jessica) Greschner, Mark (Erin) Greschner, Joshua Woldt; Karen (Rick) Brennhofer, Anna (Michael) Duzey, Stephanie (Matthew) Brandenburg, Matthew (Mikayla) Bruss; her great-grandchildren: Madalyn, Clare, and Ella Woldt; Caleb, Miles, and Kade Woldt; Emmeline, Micah and Nathan Ziesemer; Hattie, Graham and Hazel Pankow; Arya and Kellen Campbell; Luke Greschner, Quinn and Paige Coolman; Alaina, Ellie, and Logan Greschner; Madison, Micah and Mia Brennhofer; Kayden, Wyatt, and Axel Brandenburg; Carson Bruss. Ruth is further survived by her brother-in-law Harold Krantz, as well as nephews and nieces, other relatives, and “church family” friends.

Ruth was blessed with special aids and nurses who cared for her at Fairway Knoll in Germantown, WI. and through the Brighton Hospice Service.

Memorials may be sent to David’s Star Lutheran Church in Jackson, WI. Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in West Bend, WI., or to the WELS ministry or charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at David’s Star Lutheran Church in Jackson, WI on July 9th at 3:00pm, with visitation at the church beginning at 1:00pm.