Ruth Stryzewski

BIOGRAPHY

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, Wisconsin, with the ceremony officiated by Ruth’s brother, Reverend Albert Winter. 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. Together, Ruth and Elmer were devoted lifelong members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Oshkosh. Ruth served as the church organist for many years, while the couple also actively supported the education of young members in the congregation.

Her mother died at 96, her sister Marie Misterek lived to be 103, two other siblings lived into their 90’s, and her paternal cousin Lydia Koehler lived to be 100. When asked about her secret to longevity, she replied: “It was easy”. A family member noted that her longevity can be attributed to her genuine motivation derived from her faith, as well as a moderate appreciation for chocolate and wine.

In December 2020, she contracted COVID-19 during the coronavirus pandemic, and was forced to isolate for several weeks. However, her symptoms were not severe enough to require hospitalization, and by January 2021 she had successfully recovered.

Stryzewski passed away in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA, on 29 November 2024, at the age of 112 years, 283 days.