Mrs. WILLIAM (Ruth M. Carlson) VAHL 1921 - 2003

CARLSON, VAHL

Posted By: Mary Durr (email)
Date: 8/14/2003 at 13:54:54

Ruth M. Vahl

Telegraph Herald - Wednesday, July 2, 2003

Ruth M. Vahl, 82, of 370 N. Booth St., died Thursday, June 26, 2003, at her home.

Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Luke's United Methodist Church. Friends may call after 10 a.m. Saturday at the church. A luncheon reception will immediately follow the service at the church. Private family burial will be Saturday afternoon at Oak Shade Cemetery, Marion, Iowa. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road, is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Vahl was born on Feb. 11, 1921, in Crookston, Minn., daughter of Edwin and Lilly Carlson.

She grew up in Felton, Minn. She graduated with a bachelor of science degree in education from Moorhead (Minn.) State Teacher's College. She was elected to Who's Who among American Colleges & Universities in 1943.

She was employed as a Water Safety Director, for the American Red Cross in Chicago. Later, she was a teacher at a U.S. Government Nursery School in Las Vegas.

She married William H. Vahl, of Marion, on Jan. 26, 1945, at First Methodist Church, Marion. After the couple moved to Dubuque, she worked as an elementary school substitute teacher for the Dubuque Community Schools.

She was a member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church since 1946. She was active in Chancel Choir for 35 years, taught Sunday School Music, participated in United Methodist Women, Worship Committee, Church Administrative Board, and chaired the Flower Committee.

She was a member of PEO Chapter KI, in Dubuque; and volunteered for the Sunshine Circle, Finley Hospital. She was also active in Lincoln School PTO, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts with her children.

Bread baking was her art and she had recipes published in several local cookbooks. Her other hobbies included sewing and knitting for her grandchildren. She loved music and spent many hours playing the piano.

She and Bill especially enjoyed the outdoors, and spent many, many years camping and canoeing in Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Although always busy, her family was always top priority, preparing countless delicious meals, and keeping a spotless house.

Ruth loved her church and her friends.

Surviving are a daughter, Cheryl Vahl, of Iowa City; a son, Bill Vahl (Irene), of Tucson, Ariz.; a sister, Marjorie, of Wooster, Ohio; and grandchildren, Kate, Ben and Rachel, all of Iowa City, and Dwight, of Tucson.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bill; her parents; and her brothers, Walter and Richard.

The family requests no flowers. Memorials may be given to St. Luke's Church Chimes Restoration Fund and Christian Crusaders Radio Ministry.

Our special thanks to Pastor Jerry Oakland, Ruth Jones, and all the staff at St. Luke's for their help and support; and the support of many dear and loving friends in the community.