Ruth Elizabeth (Dillenburg) Zehren, 87, of Green Bay, formerly of Shawano, was born at home on her family farm in the Town of Belle Plaine to her parents, Joseph and Alice (Hohn) Dillenburg. She entered into eternal life at home at Autumn’s Promise Assisted Living in Green Bay on Wednesday, June 14, 2023.
Ruth spent a happy childhood on her family’s farm surrounded by her immediate and extended family. She graduated from Shawano High School in 1954 and then attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. After college, Ruth worked at the JC Penney store and Consolidated Badger in Shawano. She later worked at Kellogg Bank in Green Bay until her marriage.
Ruth married John L. Zehren on Sept. 11, 1971, sharing a happy partnership that lasted 51 years. Everyone who knew John and Ruth was aware of their deep love and devotion to one another. Ruth found great joy in being a mother and was a friend, confidant and role model to her daughter, Alicia (Smith). Ruth’s three grandchildren were truly the light of her life and she would happily discuss them at length with anyone who would listen. Ruth loved children and was a loving babysitter and caregiver to many children over many years.
Ruth was a wonderful cook and baker and enjoyed sharing her fantastic food and desserts with others. She loved to entertain, and everyone was always welcome in her home. She also loved to decorate her house for all seasons and holidays, especially Christmas. Ruth was a parishioner at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Green Bay for more than 40 years.
Ruth is survived by her husband, John; her daughter and son-in-law, Alicia and Tom Smith; and her three grandchildren, Jack, Benjamin and Madeline Smith. She is further survived by her sister, Shirley Dillenburg; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Leo (Janet) Zehren and Catherine (Harry) Mueller, John Shelendich, and Peggy Zehren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Alice Dillenburg; her twin sister, Rachel Dillenburg; her sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and James Barnett; and her brothers- and sisters-in law, Vincent (Virginia) Zehren, Joan (Howard) Jacques, Maribeth Shelendich and Roger Zehren.
Friends and family will gather at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1484 Ninth Street, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 22; Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Patrick C. Beno officiating. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Shawano.
To send online condolences, please go to www.blaneyfuneralhome.com .
Ruth E. Zehren
