Ruth W. Runke Haucke

Ruth Wilhelminia (Runke) Haucke, 98, left us for bigger and better things on Friday, July 6, 2018 at her home in Plymouth, WI. She was born on December 28, 1919 in Fond du Lac, WI, the daughter of Rufus and Ruth (Vollmer) Runke. Her childhood was spent on the family Guernsey farm, Ruthaven, near Wausau, WI. Ruth graduated from Algoma High School and attended Kewaunee County Teachers College, followed by a year at Mission House (now Lakeland University). She taught in a one room school in rural Algoma. In 1942 she married her high school sweetheart, Ernest B. Haucke, in Algoma. After Ernie returned from the Navy, they relocated to Menominee, WI while Ernie attended Stout Technical Institution. In 1949 the Haucke family moved to Plymouth.In addition to caring for her family, Ruth was proud to be a substitute teacher, and was actively involved in the community. Ruth was involved in her childrens lives serving as a Den Mother and Campfire Girl leader. She was the oldest member of First Congregational UCC and its Dorcas Chapter. She was also a member of the Plymouth Womens Club for more than 60 years, where she served as President. Ruth was very involved in the Eastern Star, active in The Plymouth Arts Foundation, and The Plymouth Historical Society, and she held leadership positions in all of these organizations.Ruth loved to travel and experience new things. She was a better cook than the rest of us; her table was always decorated to the nines for every single holiday and special occasion. She was constantly baking something, and you could be sure to have a fresh-baked cookie every time you went to her house. She also always had a camera close by, never missing a great moment with family and friends.She is survived by her 4 children: Carolyn OBrien (Bob Arakel) of San Francisco, CA Gary (Letha Haucke of Plymouth, WI, Richard (Charna) Haucke of La Farge, WI, and Janet (Kenneth) Schroeder of Plover, WI. She had 9 wonderful grandchildren, James Haucke, Michael (Dana) Haucke, Jessica (Troy Jastal) Haucke, Rufus Haucke, Jacob (Elizabeth M.G.) Haucke, Katherine Schroeder, Sarah Schroeder, John (Robin) OBrien, and Aaron Schwartz. She had 13 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband in 1986, her parents and step-mother Myrtle (Hyde) Runke, her twin sister Blanche, sister and brothers-in-law Gene Marie (Hugh Waterson, Harold Neilson), and brother and sisters-in-law Charlton (Agnes Etzweiler, Genie Daily).A memorial service will be held at First Congregational UCC, 1405 HWY 67S Plymouth, WI on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 12 noon with Rev. Krystal Klemme and Rev. RaeAnn Beebe officiating. Visitation will precede the service from 10-11:30 am. The Eastern Star will then hold a memorial service at 11:30 am. Committal will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.The family would like to thank Ruths Caregivers, neighbors Roy and Carol Rusch, everyone at Sharon Richardson Community Hospice, and Dr. Mary Arenberg for all the care and concern for Ruth. She was always in good hands.Ruth was an amazing woman, certainly one-of-a-kind, ready with a song to sing, and positive words in her back pocket. We will all miss her sunshine.In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to the Ernest and Ruth Haucke Scholarship Fund, providing countless future opportunities for the young people graduating from Plymouth High School.Online condolences may be expressed at www.wittkoppfcs.comWittkopp Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.