MADISON - Ruth Elaine Orvick, age 97, was called to her eternal home in heaven on Friday, August 8, 2025. She was born May 28, 1928, in DeForest, Wis., the daughter of Norwegian immigrants Nels Hoel and Marie Moldstad Hoel. Ruth grew up in a Christian home, was taught Christian values, Norwegian language and culture, and the value of hard work on the farm.

Ruth was baptized and confirmed at Burke Lutheran Church, attended Pumpkin Hollow Elementary School, Madison East High School and Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minn. While attending Bethany, Ruth met her future husband, Rev. George Orvick. They enjoyed 67 years of marriage before George's passing in 2018. They served congregations in Amherst, Wis., and Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Madison, Wis., for 32 years. In 1987, they moved to Mankato, Minn., where George served as President of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod.

Ruth was a helpmate and faithful minister's wife from 1951 to 2018. Ruth and George enjoyed a very active life in the ministry. Ruth counted as her many blessings the wonderful people she met in churches throughout the United States and different countries. After George retired, they moved back to Madison, Wis., where they enjoyed their remaining years with extended family.

Ruth is survived by her children, Dan (Kristine), Emily (Robert), Mark (Lisa) and Kirsten (Ron); grandchildren, Marisa, Briana, Nathan, Erica, Chelsea, Danny, Arabelle, Lindsie, Justin, Elizabeth and Kristoffer; 24 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her three brothers, Orville, Norman and Michael Hoel; and brothers and sisters-in-law.

A funeral service will be held at HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 734 Holy Cross Way, Madison, Wis., at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025, with Pastor Mark Bartels presiding. A visitation will be held at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. A Christian burial will take place at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church or Bethany Lutheran College.

Colossians 2: 6-7

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

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Ruth E Orvick

May 16, 1928 - August 08, 2025

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