Ruth Schumacher Lutze

Ruth's Livestream Service will begin at 11 a.m CT on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023.

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MADISON - Ruth Leona Schumacher Lutze passed away on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2023. Her Christian faith was her north star, always. It was immovable, even by dementia. Ruth was a woman of strength, grace, and generosity, always thinking of and caring for others.  

Ruth was born on Feb. 19, 1929, to Erwin Schumacher and Leona (Sonneman) Schumacher. She graduated from Fort Atkinson High School as salutatorian in 1946. She received her RN from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing in 1951. After her marriage to August Frederick “Fritz” Lutze (of Sheboygan) in 1953, she worked as a visiting nurse in Kenosha, Wis., and spent the greater part of her nursing career in Madison as the coordinator for UW-Extension Wisconsin Inactive Nurse Studies (WINS) program until her retirement in 1994. The program, inspired by a nursing shortage, provided continuing education to encourage nurses to reenter the workforce. This programming, moderated by Ruth, live from Radio Hall on Observatory Drive to all counties in the state, brought important, cutting-edge learning, such as education on HIV in the early 1980s.

Lutheran Church of the Living Christ was Ruth’s cherished church home and she found great joy from singing in the choir and the many friendships she had there. Her volunteer activities included being on the Board of Directors at Oakwood Village and participation in the nursing school alumni. She was a brilliant calligrapher, volunteering her gift for large signs, celebration cards, and more.

Being active outdoors fueled Ruth. Care for her yard and the many plants in it gave all who visited or merely drove by great pleasure. Her green thumb was reflected indoors as well, with houseplants that always thrived.

She was a founding member and 30-year participant of a women’s exercise class at the former UW Natatorium recreation facility that began as part of a research study on bone density/osteoporosis. She also played volleyball every week through Madison School- Community Recreation. Ruth was an avid Badgers fan. She listened to the local announcers in an earpiece when at football games to get real-time stats from an “unbiased” source. She and Fritz had season basketball and football tickets for decades. They were true fans through losing and winning seasons.

While Ruth had many professional, church and community accomplishments, she valued her family above all else. She was actively involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren, and was a dedicated correspondent with all of them. Her beautifully penned notes to family and friends were cherished.

Ruth had a radiant smile that she generously shared with all. It was contagious, and a reflection of a heart that gave generously, empathetically, and without hesitation. She was selfless and championed others at every turn.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Anne Koth (Howard) of Beloit, Wis.; daughter, Christine Lutze of Chicago, Ill.; granddaughter, Helen Koth of Milwaukee, Wis.; and granddaughter, Sarah Koth (Erik Bjorklund) of Chicago, Ill. She was preceded in death by her husband, August Frederick Lutze in 2017.

A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023. A funeral service will be held at LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE LIVING CHRIST, 110 N. Gammon Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. A visitation will precede the service at the church at 10 a.m. The burial will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the UW-Madison School of Nursing or an organization or cause for which you care deeply. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761