January 31, 1933 - October 2, 2024
Ruth (Kuker) Stumme was born Jan. 31, 1933, in Readlyn, daughter of Carl and Clara (Boeckmann) Kuker. She died on Oct. 2, 2024, in Algona at the age of 91.
Ruth was baptized in St. Paul Lutheran Church in Readlyn. She attended St. Paul Lutheran Parochial School and was confirmed there on April 14, 1946. When Ruth was 12 years old her mother passed away. She then lost her father when she was 18. Ruth graduated from Readlyn High School in 1950. On April 1, 1956, Ruth married Emil Stumme at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Readlyn. Emil and Ruth were friends and classmates all through their school years. They made their home in Waterloo and then moved to Readlyn in 1966, to raise their family. They lived in Readlyn for 40 years until returning to Waterloo in 2006. After 51 years of marriage Emil passed away in 2007. Ruth continued to live in Waterloo and then moved to Windsor Manor Assisted Living in Algona in 2016, to be near family. Ruth then moved to Algona Manor Nursing Home in Algona in 2018.
After graduating from High School, Ruth was employed at DX Sunray in Waterloo for 10 years. She then was a homemaker raising her two sons. She also cared for foster children and worked part-time. In 1972, Ruth began working full time at John Deere Tractor Works and retired in 1993. Ruth was a devoted wife and mother, and enjoyed raising her family. Ruth was especially fond of her grandson, Nathan and his family. Nathan, his wife Krista, and their son Graham were very near and dear to Ruth. Ruth was very active in her church, Mary Martha Circle and the community of Readlyn. She enjoyed cooking for her family, camping and traveling over the years. She was very socially active and enjoyed getting together with friends and family. She enjoyed playing card games, especially 500. Ruth made many friends while living at Windsor Manor and Algona Manor in Algona and she continued to be very active in their many social activities. Ruth always shared a sincere expression of gratitude to the team and friends she acquired at Windsor Manor and Algona Manor.
Ruth is survived by two sons, Tim Stumme, West Des Moines and Kendall (Jean) Stumme, Burt. One grandson, Nathan Stumme (Krista), Iowa City. One great-grandson, Graham Stumme. One sister-in-law, Shirley Kuker, Readlyn, and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Emil Stumme. Three brothers Theodore Kuker, Wilbert Kuker, and Robert Kuker. Two sisters Agnes Wehling, and Gladys Poock.
Funeral Services will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Readlyn, with Pastor Miguel Gonzalez-Feliciano officiating and burial to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. at the church on Friday.
The family requests Memorials be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Readlyn, IA.
Condolences for Ruth can be left at www.kaisercorson.com.
Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Readlyn is in charge of arrangements.