Ruth Lucille Bietka

Ruth Lucille Bietka (née Grudzielanek) died peacefully after a brief illness on January 9, 2015 in Woodruff, WI at the age of 90. Ruth was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking, canning, and baking and cherished time spent with family and friends. She was an avid Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers fan. She had a sweet tooth and will be remembered for her unwavering love of ice cream and chocolate. Ruth is survived by two daughters: Donna White (Dale) of Manitowish Waters and Shirley Marsh of Lemoore, CA; two brothers: Max Grudzielanek and Ray Grudzielanek (Helen), three granddaughters: Michelle Savko (Steve), Kam Aures, Tara Webb (Andrew) and seven great-grandchildren: Christian Acosta, Madeline Acosta, Cayden Aures, Max Aures, Olivia Webb, Cian Webb, and Mila Webb, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Bruno, as well as her mother Rose Grudzielanek and father Max Grudzielanek. Ruth was born on June 7, 1924 in Milwaukee, WI. She graduated from Bay View High School. During World War II, she was an original “Rosie the Riveter” as she worked in the factories to support the war effort. In 1948 she married the love of her life, Bruno “Brownie” Bietka. They spent their honeymoon in the northwoods near Minocqua. They initially made Milwaukee their home for 13 years, then moved to the suburbs (New Berlin) until their retirement. They returned to the northwoods for their retirement years which included relaxing, fishing, boating, and island picniking with the grandkids on the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage in Springstead. Ruth served as a volunteer for the Springstead Sparks for many years. After surviving the 2010 tornado which ripped through the Flowage area, Ruth moved to One Penny Place in Woodruff. Visitation is scheduled at 9:30 am on Friday January 16 followed by a funeral mass at 10:30 am, both located at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Woodruff. A luncheon reception will follow. Graveside services will be at Nola cemetery in Park Falls at 2:00 pm. All are welcome to attend the celebration of Ruth’s life. The family would like to thank the exceptional staff at One Penny Place for their service and dedication to Ruth and all of its residents. Also a special thank you is extended to the amazing ICU staff at Howard Young Hospital.

Ruth Lucille Bietka

June 7, 1924 - January 9, 2015