Ruth Ann “Ruthie” Koerkenmeier
- Visitation Dates and Times
Wednesday, January 8, 2025, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. ~ Moss Funeral Home in Breese
Thursday, January 9, 2025, from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m. ~ St. Rose Catholic Church in St. Rose
- Service Date
Thursday, January 9, 2025
- Service Time
11:00 a.m.
- Service Location
St. Rose Catholic Church ~ St. Rose
- Full Obituary
Ruth Ann “Ruthie” Koerkenmeier, age 87, of St. Rose, passed away Friday, January 3, 2025, at her home. She was born October 9, 1937, in Damiansville, a daughter of the late Ben and Anna, nee Rakers, Heimann. Ruthie married Robert L. “Bob” Koerkenmeier June 27, 1957, at St. Damian Catholic Church in Damiansville and he preceded her in death November 21, 2017.
Ruth is survived by her children, Rich (special friend Maureen Creath) Koerkenmeier of St. Rose, Ronald (Robin) Koerkenmeier of Damiansville, Roger (Julie) Koerkenmeier of Breese, Daniel (Cheryl) Koerkenmeier of St. Rose, and Ann (Dennis) Puhl of Highland; grandchildren, Jennifer (Eric) Jones, Richard (Kathryn) Koerkenmeier, Tyler (Heather) Koerkenmeier, Lacey Bevill, Tara (Jared) Horstmann, Brooke (Luke) Winkeler, Brittney (Ryan) Meyer, Kayla (PJ) Turner, Christopher (Tiffani) Koerkenmeier, Joshua Koerkenmeier, Trevor (Sierra) Koerkenmeier, Brent (friend Kelly Gilbreth) Koerkenmeier, Jason (fiancée Tori Arentsen) Koerkenmeier, Alyssa Koerkenmeier, Kent (Bridgette) Peek, Anna (Randy) Hall, and Jamie (Kobi) Blevins; granddaughter-in-law, Amy Koerkenmeier; forty-five great-grandchildren and was highly anticipating the birth of her forty-sixth great-grandchild; brother, Bob (Judy) Heimann of Albers; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Marilyn Heimann of Damiansville, Lou Heimann of Aviston, Jerome Koerkenmeier of Damiansville; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth was preceded in death by son, Robert Koerkenmeier, Jr.; grandson, Gerald “Jerry” Koerkenmeier; siblings, Loretta (Herbert) Middendorff, Edward (Genevieve) Heimann, Bernard Heimann, Marcel Heimann, Otto Heimann in infancy, and Leo Heimann in infancy; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Mary (nee Deiters) Koerkenmeier; and a brother-in-law and a sister-in-law, Richard Koerkenmeier in infancy and Rita Koerkenmeier.
Ruthie was well known in the St. Rose community for her unwavering faith and service. She worked alongside her husband Bob on their dairy, grain, and livestock farm and drove a school bus for the St. Rose School District for 44 years, retiring in 2018. She often commented that she thoroughly enjoyed her bus driving experiences, especially the school field trips and sports trips, as well as her interactions with the St. Rose School children and staff members. A devout member of St. Rose Catholic Church, she served in the choir, as a Eucharistic Minister, and with the Altar Sodality. Ruthie was also a member of the St. Rose Development Club and Clinton County Farm Bureau.
Ruthie had a passion for life’s simple pleasures, including playing cards with her family, friends and beloved card club, gardening, picking pecans, and bird watching—especially cardinals. She found immense joy in supporting her grandchildren’s school and sporting events.
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rose Catholic Church in St. Rose with Fr. Edward Schaefer presiding and Deacon John Fridley assisting. Interment will follow at St. Rose Cemetery.
Visitation will be Wednesday, January 8, 2025, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Breese and again Thursday, January 9, 2025, from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m. at St. Rose Catholic Church in St. Rose.
In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to St. Rose Catholic Church, Mater Dei Catholic High School, or St. Rose Fire Department and will be received at the visitation or by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
