Ruth Koerner: 1920-2021
Ruth L. (Graber) Koerner, 101, died on Dec. 2, 2021 at Oakview Terrace in Freeman, S.D. She was born to Ben and Minnie (Wilde) Graber on Oct. 31, 1920 in Freeman. Ruth attended St. Paul Lutheran Day School and Freeman High School, graduating as the salutatorian in 1938.
She married Aaron (Sam) Koerner on April 7, 1941 in Parker, S.D. They raised four daughters: Virginia, Karen, Judy and Linda and one son, Randy.
Ruth had various jobs throughout her life, but being employed by Associated Milk Producers, Inc (A.M.P.I.) for 27 years gave her much pleasure. She also did bookkeeping for Randy’s business, Koerner Construction, well into her 80s.
She was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and was very active in the church’s Ladies Aide and Bible study groups. Ruth enjoyed her family and friends; going out to eat with her cousins and attending church suppers with her friends were highlights for her.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Sam, her sister Leah Smith, brother-in-law Traves Smith, brothers Erwin and Donavon Graber and grandsons Faron Frank and Michael Bender, along with son-in-laws Earl Frank, Gary Schrag and Darrell Georgeson.
Survivors include her daughters: Virginia Frank, Norfolk, Neb., Karen Bender, Freeman, Judy Schrag, Freeman, and Linda Georgeson, Hurley, S.D.; and her son Randy (LeeAnn) Koerner, Freeman; grandchildren: Bryan Frank, Dyersburg, Tenn., Jeff (Pam) Frank, Norfolk, Monte (Cindy) Bender, Tea, S.D., Heidi Schrag, Freeman, Paula (Jeff) Tronvold, Pierre, S.D., Kristie (Terry) Gavette, Monroe, S.D. and Brad Georgeson, Hurley; 10 great-grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren; sister-in-laws Metha Wildermuth, Norfolk, and Dixie Jensen, Santa Fe Springs, Calif.; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, Dec. 10 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Freeman. Friends and family are invited to gather for lunch and fellowship following the service in the church’s Fellowship Hall.
