RUTH L. MEIHAK
RUTH L. MEIHAK
Ruth L. Meihak, 92, of Neillsville, WI, passed to eternal peace with her family by her side Wednesday, June 18, at the Riverside Assisted Living Facility in Neillsville.
Ruth Lorraine Spaete was born Jan. 14, 1933, in the township of Washburn, WI, the daughter of Carl and Florence (Strebing) Spaete. She was united in marriage to Donald Meihak Oct. 25, 1952, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Neillsville. Ruth and Donald had four children, John, Shirley, Gary and Mary.
Ruth was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Ruth lived life to the fullest; she was devoted to her family and her faith.
Ruth and Donald met when Donald come to work as a hired hand at her parents’ farm, where we can assume that it was love at first sight. Ruth and Don spent 72 wonderful years together. Over the years, Ruth worked a variety of jobs in her career, including A&W, IGA, farming, and she also was an escort driver for Don when delivering Wick homes. After retirement, Ruth and Don spent many summers at their camper on Marsh Miller Lake, taking grandchildren with where they spent many hours fishing, playing cards, and making many memories with family and friends.
Over the years, Ruth would have large gardens and loved to can just about anything, and if you had the chance to try her famous lime pickles, you know she had the passion and knowledge of making anything great! On Friday and Saturday nights or any night of the week you could find Ruth and Don around the dining room table with family and friends playing many hands of cards such as Up & Down, Hearts, Hands & Foot and Farkle just to name a few. Ruth was always the scorekeeper and for some reason that scorekeeper seemed to usually win. Ruth had a passion for fishing, crocheting, needle point and watching the Chicago Cubs play. Ruth’s true enjoyment was spending time with her family and friends and creating those memories that we will all cherish.
Ruth taught us strength, kindness and love. Ruth, we will be forever grateful to be able to call you mom, grandma, great-grandma, great-great-grandma, sister and best friend.
Ruth is survived by four children, John (Kathy) Meihak of Brownsburg, IN, Shirley Meihak (Rich) of Wautoma, WI, Gary (Brenda) Meihak of Neillsville, WI, and Mary (Armon) Luchterhand of Neillsville, WI; eight grandchildren, Amy (Jason) Scheiwe, Melissa (Adam) Krause, Cheryl (Jeff) Stelter, Craig (Rachel) Anderson, Jenny (Shawn) Shadrick, Tim (Therese) Luchterhand, Matt (Jennifer) Luchterhand, Doug (Heather) Luchterhand; 21 great-grandchildren, Trinity, John, and Tanner Meihak, Reya Hope, Joshua and Coleton Scheiwe, Jace Krause, Natalie and Morgan Bloch, Caleb, Ella and Noah Anderson, Tasha, Dani and Dane Shadrick, Koltin, Taelor and Sophia Luchterhand, Damien Luchterhand, Walker and Max Luchterhand; three great-great-grandchildren, Ryker Featherston, Elise Gurney and Joey Summers; brother-in-law Henry Peepgrass; and sisters-in-law, Barbara Meihak and Caroline Spaete; andmany nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband Donald Meihak; great-grandson Dylan Bloch; siblings Lawrence and Robert Spaete and Dorothy Langreck; brothers-in-laws Albert and Dale; sisters-in-law Monna, Linda and Pauline Meihak, Dolores Spaete, and Christine Peepgrass; nieces and nephews.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank all of caregivers at Riverside Assistant Living and hospice care in helping prepare Ruth for her journey to the Lord.
A memorial service for Ruth will be held Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 711 W. 5th St., Neillsville, WI 54456. Pastor Nathan Wilke will officiate. Music will be provided by Judy Trunkel organist. Interment will be in the Neillsville City Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, July 3, 2025, from 9:30-11 a.m.. A livestream of Ruth’s memorial services can be viewed at www.geschefh.combeginning at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 3, 2025.
Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.
The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Ruth’s family with funeral arrangements.