Ruth Disrud

Ruth Gladys Johnson, daughter of John and Minnie (Jergenson) Johnson, was born May 31, 1924 in Gilchrist Township , Pope County , Minnesota . She grew up in that area and was baptized and confirmed at the Rolling Forks Lutheran Church . Ruth began her schooling at rural schools in Districts 14 & 38 before attending and graduating from Glenwood High School in Glenwood , MN . After graduation, she began working in Glenwood as a waitress, and later as a clerk at Harry’s Grocery. On September 23, 1945, she was united in marriage to Ortmand P. Disrud at Rolling Forks Lutheran Church . Following their marriage, the couple made their home in the Starbuck area, where Ruth worked at the local hardware store and also at Pederson’s Super Valu. She later took a position as a veterinary assistant for Dr. Sanford Wilson, where she remained for 24 years. Following that job, Ruth worked part-time as a clerk at Bredeson’s Variety Store for a few years before retiring. Ortmand passed away on July 13, 1999, and Ruth has continued to make her home in the Starbuck area since that time.

Ruth was a member of Fron Lutheran Church , where she was active in the Women of Fron. She also worked as a volunteer at the Minnewaska Lutheran Home and was a member of the Minnewaska Lutheran Home Auxiliary. Some of her favorite hobbies included bowling, reading, playing cards, taking long drives in the country, dancing, enjoying coffee breaks with the neighbors and spending time with her family and friends.

Ruth died on Friday, April 10, 2009 at the Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris, having lived to reach the age of 84 years.

She is survived by two daughters: Helen (Lloyd) Christenson on New Ulm and Anne (David) Rollie of Richfield; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one sister: Joan (Jerome) Blaskowski of Sauk Centre; one sister-in-law: Janice Disrud of Coon Rapids and many nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two brothers and their wives: James (Norma) Johnson and Kenneth (Elsie) Johnson; one sister: Helen Johnson and one brother-in-law: Harold Disrud.

Pallbearers for the service are Ruth’s Grandchildren: Mike Rollie, Deb Bartholomew, Chris Christenson, John Rollie, Joan Christenson, Tom Christenson, Pam Lunzman and Robin Christenson. Honorary pallbearers are All of Ruth’s Family and Friends. Shari Opdahl will serve as organist for the service, with Arne Pederson serving as soloist.