Ruth Asleson Brandow

Brandow, Ruth Asleson 8.24.1917 – 4.26.2008 Ruth Asleson Brandow, age 90, died peacefully on April 26, 2008. She is survived by daughter, Gretchen Bloom (Peter); sons, Mark (Eileen Custer), Todd (Federica Matta), Tim (Kay), Gregg, and her grandchildren. Her husband of 65 years, William E., passed away December 15, 2005, his 91st birthday. She was a 1939 graduate of the University of Minnesota where she joined Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Ruth had been a member of Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis for 70 years, the Woman's Club of Minneapolis for 65 years and the Daughters of the American Revolution. While she maintained interest in these organizations, her principle activity was her family. In 1950, she helped to design and build their home in Edina, where they lived for 65 years. Beginning in 1955, the same year she gave birth to twins, Tim and Gregg, she helped her husband begin his business, Brandow Insurance Agency, which later grew to become BHK&R (Brandow Howard Kohler & Rosenbloom, Inc.). In addition to their own children, she and Bill enjoyed the year-long addition to their family of students from Germany (Gudrun Ziegler), Finland (Magnus Nyberg), Holland (Wilhelmus Van Beurden), India (Krishna Dorasami) and Afghanistan (Balram Mehra) as each of their own children entered their senior year in Edina High School. Each of these students still keeps in close contact as part of the extended Brandow family. Ruth will be missed by all who knew her. She had a quiet strength and determination. Ruth spent the last few years living with her son, Gregg, at her home in Edina and at his home on Lake Minnetonka. She loved the beauty of Lake Minnetonka that she observed every day and shared wonderful times with her family and friends. Memorials preferred to Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318). Private memorial service to be held in late May at the Arboretum.
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.