Ruth Ann Hainstock (1933-2019)

HAINSTOCK, ADAMS, GOCKEL

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 8/16/2019 at 18:02:50

Ruth Ann (Gockel) Hainstock, 86, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2019.

Ruth was born on May 28, 1933, the daughter of Celestine and Theresa (Adams) Gockel in Lancaster, Wisconsin. Ruth was united in marriage to William Scott Hainstock on August 12, 1953 at Saint Columbkilles Catholic Church, Dubuque, Iowa. Ruth and Bill farmed together and raised four children Bill, Deb, Rich, and Barb.

Ruth graduated from high school at the age of sixteen and went to a two year college to become a school teacher. She then began her teaching career at Rockdale Country School when she was 18 years old. After marriage, earning her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Marycrest College, and beginning a family, she returned to teaching at Delwood Schools in Delmar, Iowa; where she retired after 29 years. Ruth was very devoted to her career and had a positive impact on many of her students, families, and coworkers. She is a member of Sacred Heart Church in Maquoketa and a member of the Catholic Daughters of America Court St. Raphael #1156.

Ruth enjoyed traveling and playing cards with her friends and family. She spent many hours in retirement volunteering for local organizations including Hospital Auxiliary, Maquoketa Community Cupboard, Hurstville Interpretive Center, and Meals On Wheels. Ruth took great pride in her family and enjoyed following their careers and activities.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children William (Wendy) Hainstock of Maquoketa, Debra (Gary) Pontenberg of Florida, Richard (Mary Jo) Hainstock of Vinton, and Barbara (Shannon) Elmore of Montana, also five grandchildren Michael (Lisa) Hainstock, Tara (Tom) Atkinson, Matthew (Dani) Hainstock, Kimberlee and Barbara Rose Elmore, two step-grandchildren Adam and Ashley Pontenberg, and four great grandchildren Isabel and Will Atkinson and Ivy and Rex Hainstock. Siblings include Dan (Elaine) Gockel, Dave (Joanne) Gockel, and Tom Gockel, her sisters-in-law Phyllis Campbell and Charlotte Gockel and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband William S. (Bill); an infant son Lee Scott; her parents; sister & brother-in-law Patricia & Bud Strane; two brothers, Joseph and Bill; and in-laws Patricia Gockel, Lois and Mel Laschansky and John Campbell.

A funeral mass celebrating Ruth's life will be held at 11 A.M., Friday, August 23, 2019, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Thursday, August 22, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, where the Rosary will be recited at 3:30 P.M. Burial will be at the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Jackson County.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.