John “Jack” Hubert Ruth
John “Jack” Hubert Ruth
Iowa City
John “Jack” Hubert Ruth, 91, died peacefully at Atrium Village on Sunday, September 29, 2024.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM, Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Peter’s Church in Cosgrove. Visitation will be Monday, October 7, 2024, from 4 PM to 7 PM at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, Iowa City, and from 9 AM until the time of the service on Tuesday at St. Peter’s Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Atrium Village, Hills; St. Peter’s Church, Cosgrove; or Reach for your Potential, Iowa City.
Jack was born in Lucas County, Iowa, the son of John M. Ruth and Catherine Pfeiffer.
Jack attended school in Cosgrove and graduated as valedictorian from Cosgrove High School in 1951. Jack completed coursework in Accounting at ICS.
On September 5,1953 Jack married Rose Marie “Ro” Schwaigert at St. Patrick Church in Iowa City. Jack and Ro settled on a small farm near Cosgrove where Jack farmed, and they raised their five children. In later years, Jack and Ro moved to Iowa City but remained an active member of the Cosgrove community.
Jack was employed at the University of Iowa for 31 years, starting as a Counter Truck Driver and ending as Assistant Manager of General Stores. He retired in 1994.
Jack was a member of St. Peter’s Church, the Knights of Columbus, and Noon Optimists.
After retiring, Jack especially enjoyed model railroading.
Jack taught his children the value of a strong work ethic. He was a selfless man, always caring for the needs of others before himself. He loved his family and will be greatly missed.
The family extends thanks to all the caregivers at Atrium Village for the loving care they provided to Jack.
Jack is survived by his children, Maureen Ruth (Ted Hesemann) of Stevens Point, WI, John Ruth (Jennifer) of Edina, MN, Tim Ruth (Mary) of Hills, Marcia Charbon (Gene) of Tiffin, and Melanie Alberts (Kate Soska) of Iowa City; grandchildren, Michael Charbon (Sarah), Laurie Ruth, Andrew Charbon (Cori), Lindsey Sova (Clint), Amy Bultman (Brad), Dan Ruth (Melissa), and Jill Zeiser (David); thirteen great grandchildren; his uncle, Ed Berger; brothers-in-law, Earl Ruppenkamp and Rich Schwaigert; nieces and nephews, Tom and Georgia Vincent, Karen and Criag Kaalberg, Sue and James Shell, Mark Ruppenkamp, Ann Ruppenkamp and Jane Ruppenkamp.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Ro in 2014, sister Julia and nephew Steve.
Online condolences may be shared at www.lensingfuneral.com.