Search by Name

Search by Name

Ruth KOHLHAAS Obituary

A force to be reckoned with in life and business, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and amazing friend, passed away December 23, 2015 from complications in the hospital after an accidental fall. Ruth delighted in finding the perfect home for her real estate clients in St. Paul from 1970 to 1984. Ruth Kohlhaas Realty continued in Austin, Texas where the Kohlhaas family relocated with 3M company. In her 44 year career, she sold over 2500 homes. She sold 3 homes the day she gave birth to her 3rd daughter. Her clients were extremely loyal and many became treasured, lifelong friends. Ruth felt she was part of the Woodbury community even after living in Austin for over 30 years. To this day she has dear friends in Minnesota who are still close to the family. She is survived by her adoring husband of 52 years, Phil Kohlhaas in Austin, TX, and their 3 daughters: Kimberly Ruth Kohlhaas in Austin; Karla Anne Curran, her husband Dr. Edward Curran III and their children, Gabriel, Grace Caroline, and Lily Hope in Columbus, GA; and Karrie Virginia Kohlhaas, her partner Winton Todd Martin and their son Oliver Dezmond Kohlhaas Martin in Seattle, WA. A celebration of Ruth's life will be held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Austin, TX on January 23 at 11am. The celebration will continue with a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice. Memorials and condolences at www.wcfish.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pioneer Press on Jan. 3, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruth KOHLHAAS

Sponsored by St Paul Pioneer Press.

Not sure what to say?





Jeani and John Smith, III

December 24, 2018

Ruthie Virginia, we miss you as much today as we have in all the yesterdays. We love you, Jeani and John

Debbie Kitchen

December 22, 2016

Yesterday we had our December Lunch Bunch and remembered our Ruthie. She and Phil are so missed. We can't believe they are gone, but now together in Heaven.

virginia stuart dopp

April 9, 2016

Ruthie was my lifelong friend--- one who never forgot my birthday nor the childhood connection we shared. It is hard to imagine a world without her.
(Virginia) Stuart Dopp, Williamsburg, VA

Ali Turley James

March 12, 2016

To Phil and the entire Kohlhaas Family: I was deeply saddened to read of Ruth's passing. I will never forget how both Phil and Ruth supported the Trustees at the Texas Association of Museums annual meeting in Austin years ago. Their "can do" spirit and obvious devotion to each other was inspirational.

Pam & Gil Koss

January 19, 2016

Phil and family, we loved Ruth and will miss her deeply. She lit up the room when she walked in with her smile. She was always interested in how our kids were doing and loved to share about her daughters. May God grant the family peace in this difficult time and we know we will see Ruth again in heaven.
Love, Pam & Gil Koss

Mark Lyon

January 15, 2016

Phil and family,
I was surprised and saddened to read of Ruth's passing. She was a light in this world. My thoughts are with you.

John & Mary Ellen Nemetz

January 22, 2016

Phil:Our prayers and condolences go out to you and the girls. Together you have impacted many lives and created many lasting memories. We are so sorry for your loss.

John & Mary Ellen Nemetz. Friends from 3M

David & Diane Wilson

January 18, 2016

Phil, we were shocked and saddened to read of Ruth's passing. You and the world have lost a wonderful lady.
She will be missed by many and our deepest sympathy goes out to you at this time of loss. We will be out of country at a family destination wedding at the time of her celebration but our love and thoughts are with you.

Gilda Reynolds

January 19, 2016

We will miss her so much! Our heartfelt condolences and prayers for the family.
The world was a much brighter place with Ruth in it.
Ronnie and Gilda Reynolds
Cape Coral, FL

Betty Lyons English

January 15, 2016

Dear Kimberly: I was sadden to hear of Ruthies death. We were sorority sisters at George Washington High School in Alexandria, VA. I have many fond memories of sleep overs (pajama parties) held at her home on Russell Road in Alexandria. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Dodie Perlt

January 13, 2016

Was so sad to hear of Ruth's passing and for your great loss, Phil and your beautiful daughters. Many, many memories of fun times with laughter and joy. The world has lost a beautiful soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Dodie Perlt, Woodbury, Minnesota, honored to have been her friend.

Maria (French) Benedict

January 14, 2016

Kim and Family,
Was so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Sadly, my siblings, dad, and I are in the same company as you. My mom passed in July. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through those firsts without her.

Peg and Ag Meek

January 3, 2016

So very sorry to learn of Ruth's death. Like so many, we loved her as a friend, realtor, and admired her community involvement. Our condolences and love to Phil and the girls and their families.

Sarah (Mehlhaff) Eastman

January 11, 2016

I'm so sorry for the loss of dear Ruthie. She was a light and joyful personality, as well as loving and generous - she will be missed.

Jim Kohlhaas

January 11, 2016

Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you.
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved Ruth. In fondest memory.

Jim and Ginny Jensen

January 5, 2016

To the Kohlhaas Family, Our sincere sympathy. We were sad to hear of Ruth's unexpected death. We pray that you will be comforted knowing she is now with our Lord. Jim and Ginny Jensen (Woodbury and 3M Friends)

Jen Lang

January 4, 2016

My dad, John, and I extend our sympathies on the passing of Ruth. May you find some comfort in the memories shared by family and friends.

Donna & Ken Mitchell

January 4, 2016

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ruth. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Phil and family.

Rhoda Amorky Friedman

January 3, 2016

I was so saddened by the email I received today. I went to school with Ruthie from 2nd grade through high school. In elementary school she was very athletic and I was always picked last to be on a team. I was fortunate to see her at one or more of the high school reunions.

My sincere condolences to the family. May she rest in peace.

Susan Lubin

January 4, 2016

We were shocked and saddened to hear of Ruth's death. She was a lovely, sweet, and wonderful woman who will be missed by so many people. Our deepest sympathies to Phil, the girls, and the rest of the family.

Susan and Craig Lubin

January 17, 2016

enjoyed knowing her at the austin women's club&the dance club.thoughts are with the family.fondly,barbara benson-padgett

Julie Krinke

January 16, 2016

Karla, I'm so very sorry for the loss of your mom. My prayers go out to you and your whole family. Your mom was such an inspiration. Love you, KWAK.

Julie ("with a J")

Mickey and Bob Backlund

January 8, 2016

We were saddened to learn of Ruth's passing. Ruth was a fine person and a friend to all and will be missed by all.

Mickey and Bob Backlund
Wayzata, MN

Wayne Heil

January 8, 2016

In loving memory of a wonderful lady. Ruthie will be missed by every life she has touched. Thank you for touching mine. My thoughts are with her wonderful family. Your memories will help you though these hard times.

Sandra Comsudi

January 6, 2016

What an awesome woman and friend ! She will be missed ...

Sabrina Kovacs-Storlie

January 5, 2016

Sending you peace, love, and light during this difficult time.

Bob Albrecht

January 4, 2016

The news of Ruth's death and the surrounding circumstances are heartbreaking. I served with Ruth on St. Paul Realtor Association committees sometime around 1980, though I failed to stay in touch with her after her family relocated with 3M to Austin. I recall vividly Ruth's delightful persona and her go-getter work ethic. For a number of years Ruth Kohlhaas Realty maintained an enviable share of the market in Woodbury (certainly not for lack of competition!) and Ruth and her capable, all-female staff of agents - led by Bunny Altermatt and Dixie Ewing - served their clients with grace, style and joy. The company projected a distinctive image, which was reflected in its classy graphics and yard signs. I admired Ruth for always having operated her company from modest offices inside her split-entry style personal home on Lamplight Circle in Royal Oaks. She provided inspiration for entrepreneurial real estate brokers who wished to fly on their own. Warmest wishes for peace and comfort to Ruth's family and to her St. Paul colleagues, clients and friends who remember Ruth from "back in the day."

Karrie Kohlhaas

January 3, 2016

With so many good friends in the Twin Cities, we would love to read your messages all in one place. If possible, please go to http://wcfish.tributes.com/obituary/show/Ruth-Redmond-Kohlhaas-103152313 where you can view a photo gallery of Ruthie and leave a message for my dad or for our family. Thank you for your love and support.

Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results

Make a Donation
in Ruth KOHLHAAS's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Ruth KOHLHAAS

Jan

23

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

St. John Neumann Catholic Church

5455 Bee Caves Road, Austin, MN

Jan

23

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

St. John Neumann Catholic Church

5455 Bee Cave Road, Austin, TX 78746

How to support Ruth's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Ruth KOHLHAAS's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more