Ruth (Polfer) Wilson 1952-2008

LUCHTERHAND, POLFER, WILSON, ELGIN

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 3/15/2008 at 19:50:45

Ruth Polfer Wilson

Ruth Polfer Wilson, 55, of 16764 Country Club Drive, Peosta, died Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008, at her home surrounded by her children.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. today at Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Road.

She was born Aug. 31, 1952, in Dubuque, daughter of Joseph and Lucille (Luchterhand) Polfer. She was educated at the Visitation Academy and was a member of the class of 1970, the last graduating class. In 1974, she graduated from Clarke College with a bachelor of arts degree in music and education. In 1994, she furthered her education at Kirkwood Community College, graduating with a degree as a legal assistant.

She was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, where she was a musician at the 5 p.m. Saturday liturgy. For 13 years, Ruth was a vocal-music teacher primarily at St. Anthony's K-8.

Ruth was employed at Kinteinger Law Firm for nine years as a litigation paralegal. She loved her job and enjoyed the freedom of scheduling and tasks.

She served on many local boards, including the Iowa Association of Legal Assistants as the NICC liaison, the Dubuque Arts Council as the grant writing chairperson, and the Little Cloud Girl Scouts.

Ruth was active with the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra for over 30 years, as a musician, board member and executive committee member. Her great passion for fine arts education prompted Ruth to apply for grants and funding for numerous Artists In Residence, and public education performances.

She loved gardening, singing, painting, decorating, cooking, reading, occasional karaoke and the company of Bandit the dog. Ruth had an exuberant spirit, and was liable to whistle, burst into song, or play jokes at any given time.

Surviving are her children, Elizabeth L. Wilson, of West Branch, Iowa, Bradley J. Wilson, of Peosta, and Alex E. Wilson, of Iowa City; her sister, Lora Elgin, of Longmont, Colo.; and numerous friends and co-workers. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Copyright (c) Woodward Communications, Inc. 2008, All Rights Reserved. Dubuque Telegraph Herald, Tuesday, January 29, 2008