Obit: Oestreich Kline, Ruth (1920-2014)

Contact: Kathleen E. Englebretson

Email: kathy@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Oestreich, Hallowell, Kline, Sciezor, Bittner, Paschke, Werni, Bakken, Ploman, Lis, Reigel, Paschke

---Source: Marshfield News-Herald (11 September 2014)

Oestreich Kline, Ruth Isabel (27 July 1920-9 September 2014)

Ruth Isabel Oestreich Kline, went to be with her Lord on September 9, 2014, at the age of 94.

Funeral services will be Saturday, September 13, 2014 at Life Tributes Funeral Home in Spencer. Burial will take place in Loyal Cemetery.

Ruth was born on July 27, 1920 to Charles and Olga Hallowell in the town of Unity in Clark County. She was married to Ralph Oestreich on August 11, 1938, together they raised six children. They farmed in the town of Unity for many years. Ruth was proud to be a farmer's wife and homemaker. Raising her children was more important to her than any outside job. Ruth and Ralph retired and moved from the farm in 1967. Ralph passed away in 1987 and in 1991 Ruth married her brother-in-law Leon Kline. Sadly, Leon passed away in 2012.

Ruth will always be remembered for her love of a simple life, her family was the most important thing to her. She was a great mom and loved all her children very much. She loved to get together with her family and friends. Her hobbies included her love for stops at McDonalds, Burnstad's Market, going shopping, playing the left-right game, singing "You Are My Sunshine," and old hymns. Ruth's favorite color was sky blue which she got to see everyday living in the country, feeding the birds, watching the wildlife and mowing her lawn.

She is survived by her six children; James (Judy) Oestreich of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, William Oestreich, Sr. of Loyal, Alice Sciezor of Hasting, Minnesota, Michael (Jan) Oestreich of Eau Claire, Joyce Bittner (Barb Hagberg) of Marshfield and David (Deb) Oestreich of Neillsville; 15 grandchildren Vickie, Lori Ann, Jim Jr., Bill Jr., Bobbi Jo, Tammy, Karen, Sara, Jenni, Mandi, Brooke, Freddie, Travis, Ashley and Chris; 5 step-children Faith, Candy, Bonnie, Jerry and Dan Kline. Ruth is further survived by many great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; special friend Mari Anne; many nieces, nephews, friends and relatives.

Ruth is predeceased by her parents; her sisters Viola Kline and Helen Paschke; her brothers Howard and Norman Hallowell; her husbands Ralph and Leon; son-in-law Marion; two great-grandchildren Eric Werni Jr and Emma Bakken. She is further preceded by all of her brothers and sisters-in-law; her nephews and nieces Gene Ploman, Darlene Ploman, Carolyn Lis, Robert Oestreich, Don Oestreich, Betty Reigel and Gus Paschke.