Ruth Ellen Eirschele

Ruth E. Eirschele, age 96, of Tomah, Wisconsin died peacefully on Saturday February 19, 2022. She was born March 1, 1925, to John and Mary (Rowan) Bailey in Sparta, Wisconsin. Ruth was raised in Bush Prairie, north of Sparta with her three siblings. She was a 1943 graduate of Sparta High School and went on to receive her Nursing Degree from St. Francis School of Nursing (Viterbo) in 1945. While nursing an injured marine, Robert Eirschele, back to health, they fell in love and were united in marriage on July 7, 1951 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Sparta.
Ruth was dedicated to her profession as a psychiatric nurse at the Tomah VA Medical Center for 33 years. She was a natural caregiver, always available to help others. After Bob and Ruth built a house near the V.A., they acquired a hobby farm near Tunnel City (Sky View Ranch) and eventually built their retirement home there.
Ruth was a member of St. Mary's PCCW, hospital auxiliary, Tomah Area Museum and Railroad Women's Club. After she retired, she joined the Choralbelle's barbershop group, the Piece and Quiet Quilt Club, the Parkway Garden club, where she received the garden of the week award and the Friends of the Library which she decorated with gingerbread houses and cookie ornaments for years. She also enjoyed being a part of the Tunnel City Go-Getters and participating in Saturday night Euchre club into her late 80's.
Ruth (aka Oma from Tomah) enjoyed making Christmas spritz cookies for everybody, mowing on her John Deere into her 80's only curtailed by a broken hip and her many trips to the Northwoods for pontoon rides and attending the Cranfest at Stone Lake. Her greatest passion was quilting, traveling to shop hops for fabric, and teaching this skill to her grandchildren. Food was also important at family gatherings where the menu would consist of her favorite dishes. Her appetite also required going out to eat often at her regular spots, where the wait staff knew her by name. Oma was a willing road warrior traveling to several states with her grandchildren. She lived a rich and wonderful life and anyone that knew her is thankful that they did.
She is survived by her children, Michael (Barb) Eirschele of Tomah, Carol Eirschele of Wilton, Beverly (Brian) Kindschy of New London and Patrick (Deb) Eirschele of Winter. Grandchildren include Brent (Lindsey) Eirschele, Danielle Eirschele, Erica Eirschele, Kristi (Andrew) Paulsen, Alissa (Chris) Kleefisch, Emily (Greg) Kuh, Bailey (Dustin) Draeger, Taylor (Michael) Combs, Serena (Giovanni) Veloso, Craig Leis, Shelly and Bob Myers, David and Brenda McGarry, Stacy McGarry and Isaac Edgleston. Ruth had 22 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, her sisters, Margaret and Mary Bailey and brother Doug Bailey, her great granddaughter Norah Paulsen and great grandson Phillip Richer.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Queen of the Apostles Parish in Tomah. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the church. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, from 4:00-7:00 p.m., with a rosary beginning at 3:30 p.m. at Torkelson's Funeral Home in Tomah. Family and friends are also invited for visitation Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The family has requested in lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Guardian Angel Tuition Assistance Fund at Queen of the Apostles Parish in Tomah. The Torkelson's Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com