Kirchoff, Ruth L. 1917-2010

KIRCHOFF, BISHTON, KOERNER

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 5/19/2010 at 12:41:54

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, May 19, 2010

Ruth L. Kirchoff, 92, of Springfield, Ill., died Thursday, May 13, 2010, at Heritage Manor in Springfield, Ill.

Ruth L. Bishton was born Oct. 21, 1917, near Remsen, the daughter of Frank and Lena (Koerner) Bishton. Ruth was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church. She attended and graduated from Remsen Union High School with the Class of 1935.

Ruth was united in marriage to Glen Kirchoff April 8, 1937, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Ruth and Glen farmed South of Marcus, for many years until their retirement in 1975.

Ruth and Glen enjoyed spending the winter months in Florida for many years.

Glen died in November 1996. Ruth moved to Springfield, Ill., in 1999.

Ruth treasured time with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed gardening; especially tending to her flowers. She also enjoyed reading, art and cooking for family and friends.

She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Le Mars and had been a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Marcus. Ruth also participated as a Gold Star mother after she lost her son, Bill, during the Vietnam War in 1966.

Survivors include her daughter, Holly Fisher and her husband Jim of Springfield, Ill.; two grandchildren, Bill's daughter, Deanna Kirchoff, of Seattle, Wash., and Holly's son, Blake Fisher, of Bourbonnaise, Ill.; three great-granddaughters, Jessica, Claudia, and Judy Charlene all of Spokane, Wash.; a stepbrother, Lloyd Kallsen and his wife Evelyn of Le Mars; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Lena (Koerner) Bishton; her husband, Glen; a son, Sgt. U.S.M.C. Bill Kirchoff; a brother, Bud (Ann) Bishton; a stepbrother, Eldon and Minnie Kallsen; a stepsister, Edna Kallsen; and a special family friend, Joe Petrovich.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday, May 21, at the Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars, with the Rev. Tim Geitz officiating. Interment will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, rural Marcus. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to a charity of your choice.