Ruth Volkmann

Ruth Jane Volkmann, 88, of Milwaukee, formerly of Egg Harbor, passed away at Tender Reflections CBRF in Manitowoc on October 4, 2018.  She was born May 8, 1930 in Egg Harbor to Fredrick and Mildred (Martens) Volkmann. 

Ruth grew up on the family farm with four brothers and a sister.  She went to a one room school house called Sunny Point School until 8th grade.  At age 14, Ruth was asked to be a nanny for a family in Illinois.  She later moved to Milwaukee, at the age of 17, and worked at a Telephone Company. 

Years later, she married and had three children.    Ruth became a stay at home mom and began foster parenting babies and children.  She took care of at least 200 babies from 1964 to 1992.  Many friends and relatives would often stay the night or visit to play cards, eat and laugh until the wee hours of the morning.  She was a very caring mother who was always there for her family when ever needed.

Survivors include five children: Debra Leitner, Sturgeon Bay; Dawn Berendsen, Cudahy; Tanya Staten, Milwaukee; Carmen Staten, Milwaukee; Kristen Turbin, Sturgeon Bay;  son-in-law David Berendsen, Glendale;  daughter-in-law Charlotte Leitner, Slinger; six grandchildren: Jamie Berendsen; Elizabeth, Shawn, Joshua and Ayden Leitner; and Alayah Staten; four great-grandchildren, Jaylyn, Jaiden, Sofia and Amaria; one brother Kenneth (Carol) Volkmann, Sturgeon Bay; sisters-in-law, Judy Volkmann, Madison; Carol Volkmann, Sturgeon Bay; and Marion Volkmann, Egg Harbor.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son David Leitner; three brothers, Clarence, Lester and Russell Volkmann; sister Joanne (Elton) Shine.

Memorial Services will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, October 13, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church, West Jacksonport with the Rev. Peter Lindemann officiating. Burial will be in Egg Harbor Town Cemetery.  Friends may call from 12:30 to 1:30 on Saturday at the church, prior to the service.  Forbes Funeral Home & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be given to Zion Lutheran Church, St. John’s Lutheran Church (Valmy), or Atonement Lutheran Church in Milwaukee.

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