DEFOREST - Ruth Adele Pesch, age 95, of Madison, passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Legacy of DeForest. She was born on October 7, 1930, in Edgerton, Wis., the daughter of Evan and Clara (Strommen) Norgord.

Ruth graduated from Madison East High School in 1948. She married Frank Pesch on May 29, 1953. Ruth worked in the payroll department for the Madison Metropolitan School District, retiring after 24 years.

Ruth was an avid reader. She enjoyed puzzles and playing cards, especially euchre, hearts, cribbage and poker. She was a dedicated Packers and Badgers fan.

Ruth is survived by her four children, Steve (Monica) Pesch, Susan (Kevin) Ballweg, Rick (Maureen) Pesch and Nancy (Wayne Belgum) Pesch; 10 grandchildren, Colin, Griffin, John, Jennifer, Brandon, Daniel, Katie, Sarah, Stephenie and Zack; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; brother, James (Beth) Norgord; and two sisters-in-law, Virginia Norgord and Joan Norgord.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Pesch; daughter, Karen Pesch; grandson, Jared Pesch; parents, Evan and Clara Norgord, Sr.; three sisters, Catherine (Walter) Seeliger, Dorothy (Ted) Ellestad and Audrey (Bob) Simon; three brothers, George "Bud" Norgord, Richard Norgord and Evan "Jack" (Doris) Norgord; and two brothers-in-law, Paul Romano and Bob Simon.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Special thanks to Bristol Hospice for the continued care and support of Ruth.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Ruth Adele Pesch

October 07, 1930 - December 10, 2025

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