Ruth Ann (Helms) Wurzburger

Ruth Ann (Helms) Wurzburger, 86, peacefully passed away surrounded by her daughters on November 28, 2023 at English Rose Suites in Edina, MN.

The funeral service will be at 11:30 am Wednesday, December 6 at Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel in St. Louis Park. Visitation begins at 11:00 am with interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery following the service.

Ruth was born August 16, 1937 in Metcalf, IL to Andrew and Mabel (Morgan) Helms. She graduated from Young America High School in 1955. Following high school she attended college at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL, graduating in 1959. She moved to Gilman, IL to teach business education courses, e.g., typing, shorthand, bookkeeping at the local high school. She was popular with her students and one of them even thought she would be a good match for her neighbor, a bachelor farmer. Ruth married Kenneth Wurzburger in 1962. During this time, she also earned her Master’s degree in Education and gave birth to their first daughter in 1963. Following the birth of their second daughter in 1967, they bought a farm outside of Austin, MN and moved their family there. Ken and Ruth farmed for 32 years before retiring in 1999.

Ruth ran the business side of the farm operation by handling the books, banking, and taxes; and even drove tractors! She was also very active in her local church as a lector, religion teacher, treasurer, and wedding and funeral meal volunteer. Throughout the years she was a member of Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church in Brownsdale, St. Edward’s and finally St. Augustine Catholic churches in Austin.

Ruth is survived by daughters Sheryl Delke (John A.) of Mound, MN, and Vonda Wurzburger of Alma, WI; grandchildren Samantha Polo (Domenico) of Aurora, IL, and John K. Delke (Alaethia) of Woodbury, MN; and great-grandson Leonardo Polo. She is preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Wurzburger, her parents Andrew and Mabel (Morgan) Helms, and sister Mary Myers (Harold) and infant brother Cloyd Helms.

Ruth lived with Alzheimer’s disease for the past decade, but it was a series of strokes that finally brought an end to her life. May all her memories now be restored as she joins her Lord.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of your choice.