Norbert Ruther

Norbert Emil Ruther, went to be with the Lord, at the age of 96 years, 8 months and 24 days, on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Perham Living.

Norbert was born on March 21, 1927, the son of William and Freida (Tober) Ruther at St. James Hospital in Perham, MN. He was one of six children in a family of farmers. Norbert was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Corliss Township, rural Perham. He received his education at a country school in Corliss, to where he walked uphill both ways. He completed his schooling to the eighth grade, then going on to the School of Hard Knocks.

On August 16, 1949, Norbert was united in marriage to Bernice Clara Hofmann at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Perham. Together he and Bernice made their home in Perham until they started farming in Corliss Township. The Ruthers owned and operated a dairy farm for 27 years. Norbert drove milk trucks for Perham Coop Creamery for 44 years, handling milk cans, and then bulk tanks.

Following retirement, Norbert and Bernice built their home on Devils Lake near Perham. His enjoyments in life included, dancing, music, harmonica playing, card games and card parties. He enjoyed hosting many garage parties for neighbors and friends that were filled with music and dancing. Norbert also loved to fish, a passion he shared with Bernice. They took many fishing trips together, including a fly-in. He also loved to hunt, enjoyed woodworking, making sauerkraut, and smoking fish.

The biggest sparkle in Norbert's eyes were his grandchildren and great grandchildren. They always put a smile on his face.

Surviving Norbert are his children, John (Lynn) Ruther of Perham, Gene (Marcia) Ruther of Inver Grove Heights, MN, Allen (Teresa) Ruther of South Pittsburg, TN, Mark (Nelda) Ruther of Perham, Daryl (Susan) Ruther of Richville, MN, Michael (Donna) Ruther of Perham, Bonnie (Curt) Eide of Fergus Falls, MN, Shirley Ruther (Nick Dehler) of Perham, Thomas Ruther of Perham, Joan Priem of Carthage, MO, and Andrew (Linda) Ruther of Irving, KY; 44 grandchildren; 89 great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death are his parents; wife, Bernice; daughter, Liane (Bruce) Lubitz; granddaughters, Cheryl Lubitz and Barbara Ruther; son-in-law, Marlow Priem; all six siblings, Dorothy, Violet, Melvin, Loraine, Adeline and Darlene; and his beloved dog, Gin.

Visitation will be at Schoeneberger Funeral and Cremation Service on Sunday, December 17, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. with Parish Prayers at 5:00 p.m. Visitation will resume at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 18, at St. Henry's Catholic Church in Perham followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery in Perham.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com