Ruth Charlotte Therkelsen

RACINE- Ruth Charlotte Therkelsen (nee Christensen), age 86, passed away peacefully at her residence on May 7, 2018. On April 10, 1932, in Racine, WI, Ruth was born to Fred and Lillian (nee Zinther) Christensen. She attended area schools and was a graduate of Park High School. Ruth was united in marriage to Erwin Therkelsen on August 9, 1952. Erwin preceded her in death on March 8, 2002. Ruth was a bookbinder at Western Publishing, where she worked for over 30 years, until her retirement in 1993. Ruth was an active member of Living Faith Lutheran Church (formerly Atonement Lutheran). She participated in Ruth Circle and both the sewing and quilting clubs. Ruth enjoyed knitting and crocheting, and all family members had a pair of her cozy slippers. She was a faithful watcher of “The Bold and the Beautiful”, and would watch it multiple time on different channels if she could. Ruth was known for her strong political views, and would volunteer her time for the causes in which she believed. Above all, she loved to be surrounded by family and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, great grandchildren and their furry family member, Saddie. Left to cherish Ruth’s memory are her son, Glenn (Sue) Therkelsen, her daughters, Sharon (Frank) Balestrieri, Teresa Therkelsen, Kim (David) Heimerl, and Julie Emmons (Jim Emmons); ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and one on the way; her best friend, Marcella Geyer, and other relatives and friends. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband; her brother, Frederick Christensen, and her grandson, Cody Heimerl. A time of visitation will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at Wilson Funeral Home (1212 Lathrop Ave., Racine) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday, May 11, 2018 at Living Faith Lutheran Church (2915 Wright Ave. Racine) from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 10:30 a.m. Funeral services for Ruth will be held on Friday, May 11, 2018 at Living Faith Lutheran Church at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park. Please consider memorials to Living Faith Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made at www.wilsonfuneralhomeinc.com The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Ruth’s neighbors, Chris and Tom Mogren for the special care and help to Ruth that they provided over the years and to Pastor Denise Mbise for her pastoral care.

Ruth Charlotte Therkelsen

April 10, 1932 - May 7, 2018