Ruth Nienaber

Ruth Nienaber, 85, of Sauk Centre, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Her wonderful sense of humor will be missed by many.

A prayer service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 20 at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre with Rev. Mark Botzet officiating. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Sauk Centre.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Ruth was born on February 5, 1941 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada. Ruth graduated early from high school and spent the early years of her life as a public health nurse; she mentored other nurses and helped a multitude of people and brought health care to many communities. She continued with the spirit of nursing throughout her entire life.

Ruth was known above all for her “open-door" policy; there was always room at the table, sweets in the cookie jar and coffee in the pot. Her favorite pastimes were caregiving, crossword puzzles, finding fashionable outfits to wear and watching Westerns. Her Catholic faith was also a large part of her life and she enjoyed celebrating at Our Lady of the Angels Church. Ruth loved being with her family and was proud of her Ukrainian heritage. She was a loving mother who was especially proud of her daughters and granddaughters.

Ruth is survived by her children, Lana Wolfe, Katherine Gilbert, Erika Nienaber, and Anna (Travis) Salzwedel; and grandchildren, Sydney Gilbert, Eleanor Salzwedel and Ruby Salzwedel.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Lena Lucuik; brother, Peter Lucuik; first husband, Edward; and second husband, Harvey.