Zwanziger, Ruth K.C. (Andreae) 1911-1989

ZWANZIGER, ANDREAE, ANDREA, FLIEHLER, ROYS, HOPP

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 4/2/2022 at 18:00:57

Ruth Kathryn Christine (Andrea) Zwanziger was born on August 2, 1911, the second child of Sebald and Anna (Fliehler) Andrea in Sperry Township, Clayton County, Iowa. Ruth was baptized August 20, 1911, at her family's farm home by Rev. G.H. Fuehr. As a girl she attended the Hewitt Creek country school near her home.

Much to Ruth's dismay, the custom of the times was that she not attend high school, but she worked at home and for a time as a hired girl. In September, 1925, she affirmed her baptismal faith in the rite of confirmation (on the same day as Ray) at St. Sebald Lutheran church near Strawberry Point, Pastor S.W. Knappe presiding at the service.

Having a strong desire for education, Ruth learned to play the violin and in 1930 attended a two-year secretarial course at Wartburg Normal School in Waverly, where she also played in the Wartburg symphony.

One month before graduation she took a job with the Muscatine Lutheran Homes, where she worked until her mother's sudden death in December 1935. Ruth then returned home to help her father and younger brother.

On September 2, 1938, Ruth married Raymond Zwanziger at St. Sebald Lutheran Church in a twilight service officiated by Rev. Paul Eilers. To this union were born two daughters, Andrea Marie and Mary Ann. For 13 years they lived on family farms, until 1951 when they moved to a farm in Sperry Township which they then purchased from Jack Huebsch.

Through the years Ruth was active as a homemaker, farmer's wife, mother, 40H leader and church member. In 1970 Ruth and Ray moved to Elkader where Ray served 2 terms as Clayton County Auditor. After Ray's retirement in 1976, they spent much time together going to daughter Andrea's farm near Wadena, hiking through the woods they knew as young people.

Ruth's activity in the church through the years included organizing and directing a choir, teaching Sunday School, being a Circle member and Prayer Group member, and being in the Gideon Auxiliary.

Ruth died suddenly at her home in the early morning hours of February 3, 1989. She is survived and will be missed by her husband, Ray, daughter Andrea (Mrs. William J.) Roys, daughter Mary Ann (Mrs. Al) Hopp, 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Ruth also leaves a sister, Lottie Schmidt and a brother, Herbert, both of Strawberry Point.

Ruth donated her body to the School of Medicine at Iowa City, and later it will be returned for burial at the St. Sebald Lutheran Church Cemetery.

~Strawberry Point Press Journal, Wednesday, February 8, 1989, pg 2