FOREST CITY- Vera Marie Ruiter, 88, of Mason City, formerly of Forest City died Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at the Good Samaritan Center in Forest City surrounded by her family.
A Funeral Mass will be held 12:00 P.M. Saturday, December 14, 2013 at St. James Catholic Church with Rev. Dennis Miller and Rev. Paul Lippstock officiating.
Visitation will be held 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. Friday at Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 505 North Clark St with a Scriptural Wake Service held at 7:00 P.M.
Interment will be held in Immanuel Reformed Cemetery in rural Belmond, Iowa.
Vera Marie Ruiter, the daughter of Edward and Marie(Schazer) Gelner was born April 17, 1925. Vera grew up on a farm by Fertile. Vera was united in marriage on January 29, 1946 to Willie Ruiter at the St. James Parsonage in Forest City. In March of 1946 Vera and Willie started farming in Belmond. They later moved to a farm by Fertile in March of 1947 and after spending many years there bought a farm by Forest City in 1967. The couple enjoyed farming with their children Byron, Jack, and Debbie. Vera and Willie moved to Mason City, where they resided for many years. She enjoyed living on the farm, taking care of the dairy cows, tending to her garden and beautiful flowers and loved to cook for her family. Vera appreciated hard work, never complained and was always thankful for what she had. Vera and her husband Willie enjoyed ballroom dancing and often visited the Surf Ballroom. She also loved shopping at the Village General Store and her house stored all her treasures she found through the years. She enjoyed the time she spent with her family and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Survivors include her husband Willie of 67 years; son, Byron and Barb Ruiter of Forest City; daughter, Deb and Jeff Claussen of Blaine, Minnesota and son, Jack and Marie of Northwood, Iowa; grandchildren, Patrick Ruiter of Mason City, Cindy Ruiter of Mason City, Jason Claussen, Jacob Claussen, and Amanda (Chris)Shromoff of Blaine, Minnesota,Emily (Barnes) Toresdahl and Timothy (Andrea) Stumo; great-grandchildren, Lillian Vera Ruiter, Ivy Toresdahl, Calan Stumo and many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Dennis; sisters; Geneva, Lucy, and Dorothy and grandson, Charles Ruiter.
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