Ruby F. Praeger

Ruby F. Praeger

Sheboygan - Ruby F. Praeger, age 103, was welcomed to her Heavenly Home on January 21, 2021 at Sheboygan Health Services where she resided since October 2017. Ruby was born in a pandemic and has gone home during this current pandemic.

Ruby was born on December 7, 1917 in the Town of Lyndon, Sheboygan County, daughter of the late Oscar and Viola (Hamann) Liebetrau. Her father preceded her in death one month prior to Ruby's birth. Ruby was a newborn when her mother and sister, Adelia, moved to Cascade. In 1922 her mother married Edmund Kraatz, and the family moved to Sheboygan.

Ruby attended Lincoln School and graduated in 1934 from Sheboygan High School. She furthered her education at Gregg College in Chicago.

Ruby was united in marriage to David Praeger in 1936. In the 1940's Ruby and David owned and operated the Cozy Corner Inn and Resort in Elkhart Lake. The family returned to Sheboygan in 1948 where she was a resident for 73 years. David preceded her in death on January 2, 1991 after 54 years of joyful marriage.

Ruby was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church where she led and attended various Bible study groups, Mothers Club, Ladies Aid, XYZ Club, and Piecemaker quilting group. She volunteered at Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Health Center, Red Cross Blood Bank, Sunny Ridge and Morningside Nursing Homes, Bethesda Thrift Store, People Caring for People and Crystal Lake Advancement Association.

Ruby was an avid genealogist who researched the immigration of her mother's, step-father's, and husband's family as they left their homelands for Sheboygan County. She also wrote historical stories for the family genealogy. Additional hobbies included sewing (she made her daughter's wedding dress), family scrapbooks, cooking, quilting, reading, current events, and travel.

Since 1941, one of Ruby's greatest joys and pleasures was spending time with family and friends at the family cottage on Crystal Lake. In 2016 she was honored to be the Grand Marshal of the Venetian Boat Parade and received the "The Best Spirit" trophy for her 75 years on the lake.

She is survived by her children: Robert (Colleen) Praeger, Huntersville, NC; Barbara (Steven) Van Voorhis, Waukesha, WI; Thomas (Diane) Praeger, West Bend, WI; and Dr. Myron (Joyce) Praeger, Port Washington, WI. Grandchildren: Michael (Cindy) Praeger Corneilus, NC; Jeffrey (Lara Totzke) Van Voorhis, Delafield, WI; Dawn (Jon) Wilson, Mooresville, NC; Blake (Taylor) Praeger, Mooresville, NC; and Carly Praeger (Justin Arens, fiancé) Mooresville, NC. Great-grandchildren: Chase Praeger, Hannah Van Voorhis, Colin Van Voorhis, Mia Wilson, Cora Wilson, Palmer Praeger, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ruby was predeceased by her husband, parents, sister, Adelia Manthey, step-sister, Evelyn Machtig, mother and father in-laws (Catherine and Henry Praeger), and sisters and brothers in-law.

Her family would like to thank the entire staff at Sheboygan Health Services for their compassion and loving care given to Ruby. A special gratitude of thanks is given for the humor and watchful eye from Chris Zawatzke.

A celebration of Ruby's life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Ruby's arrangements.