Ruth Stryzewski, the oldest living person in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, passed away in Oshkosh on 29 November, at the age of 112 years, 283 days. Her passing was reported by the Konrad-Behlman Funeral Homes.
Ruth Stryzewski was born Ruth Esther Winter on a farm in Bloomfield, Waushara County, Wisconsin, USA, on 20 February 1912. Her parents were Louis Winter and Marie (née Prellwitz) Winter. She had eight siblings and two foster siblings. The family were devoted members of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in East Bloomfield, where they were deeply rooted in the Lutheran faith. This strong foundation of faith influenced their lives significantly, with two of Ruth’s brothers going on to become Lutheran ministers.
As a young woman, she moved to Oshkosh to begin a new chapter in her life. One evening, while attending a dance with friends at the Eagles Club (now Howard), she was asked to dance by a man named Elmer Stryzewski. On 1 June 1937, Ruth and Elmer were married in East Bloomfield. The couple built their home north of Oshkosh along Yahootie Creek, at the edge of Lake Winnebago. Ruth and Elmer enjoyed 65 years of marriage until Elmer’s passing in 2003.
Ruth was among the first employees of the Miles Kimball Company. She worked in the office and was entrusted with the company’s very first electric typewriter—an acknowledgment of her skill and dedication. Over the course of her 23 years with the company, she contributed significantly to customer service until her retirement.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Ruth Stryzewski during this difficult time.
