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Ruth Jane Althaus, age 84, of Rice Lake, WI formerly of Spooner, WI died Saturday, December 23, 2017 surrounded by her family at Brentwood Memory Care, in Rice Lake.

She was born on July 15, 1933 in Ladysmith, WI to Ralph and Pauline (Jamoski) Martinson.  Ruth graduated from Denfeld High School in Duluth, MN.  She was married to Elmer Althaus on August 15, 1953 in Fort Gordon, GA while Elmer was serving in the Army as a Military Policeman.  

Ruth worked for many banks during her life in the clerical and accounting department and then retired as a supervisor.  She loved gardening, baking, going fishing and couponing.

 Ruth Althaus is survived by her husband, Elmer Althaus of Rice Lake, WI; three sons and daughters-in-law, Kurt and Michelene Althaus of Rice Lake, WI, Tom and Linda Althaus of Saginaw, MN and Joe and Lonnie Althaus of Sarona, WI; three grandchildren; Alex, Lauren and Marisa; a sister Shirley Isackson of Duluth, MN; a brother, Hank Martinson of Center City, MN; many nieces and nephews.  

She was preceded in death by son, Kent Althaus; her parents, Ralph and Pauline Martinson; and a brother, Victor Martinson.

Graveside Services 10:05 AM Thursday, December 28, 2017 at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN, with Rev. Brent Berkesch officiating.  

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Appleyard's Home for Funerals, 19 W. Messenger St., Rice Lake, WI.

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