Ruth Ann Fillenwarth

Ruth Ann Fillenwarth (Hartkopp), 80, passed away at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN, on March 27, 2006, of head trauma following a diagnosis of brain tumor. Ruth was born to Charles and Anna (Parpart) Hartkopp on June 29, 1925 in Iowa Falls, Iowa. Following graduation from Iowa Falls High School, she pursued her higher education at Valparaiso University in Indiana. She transferred to the University of Iowa in 1945 where she earned an undergraduate degree. In 1949 she graduated from the University of Iowa Law School with distinction. While earning her law degree, she met Kenneth Fillenwarth of Sanborn, Iowa, and married him on April 15, 1950. Ruth opened her own private law practice in Estherville in 1949 and grew the business with fortitude and hard work. Her husband, Ken, two daughters - Lynn and Julie - and Lynn's husband, Richard Meyer, later joined the Fillenwarth and Fillenwarth Law firm. Until the day of her death, Ruth passionately continued her practice of law, a career that spanned 57 years. During that time, she became a respected mentor to fellow attorneys, her clients and the public. She earned many distinctions for her work, including the Iowa Bar Association's Community Service Award in 2003. Ruth enjoyed worldwide travels with her husband, Ken, and enriched her life with family, friends, jurisprudence, faithful dogs, gardening and cooking. She was known for her ready smile, quick wit, boundless intellect, fierce independence and an unconditional love for her family. Ruth played the organ at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Estherville for nearly 30 years. She was a member of the Estherville Library Board, American Association of University Women, Taxpayers Incorporated and the Arnolds Park Beautification Committee. Ruth is survived by her husband, Ken; daughters Lynn and Julie and son-in-law Richard Meyer, all of Arnolds Park. Preceding her in death were her parents, Charles and Anna Hartkopp. SERVICE INFORMATION Pastor Glenn Bohmer - Officiating Greg Drees - Eulogy MUSIC I Know That My Redeemer Lives by the Congregation Assurance Medley Just A Closer Walk With Thee by Bill Hansen Glenn Henriksen - Organist CASKETBEARERS Charles Barlow - Reece Wilson - Don Dorn Randy Pas - Terry Nelson - Lance Origer INTERMENT Lakeview Gardens Cemetery Spirit Lake - Iowa The Fillenwarth family prefers that any memorial donations be directed to the Humane Society of Northwest Iowa; Orphaned and Injured Wildlife; University of Iowa Museum of Natural History; or any charity of your choice. ON BEHALF OF THE FAMILY Ruths family wishes to take this opportunity to express their gratitude for your kindness evidenced in thought and deed, and for your attendance at her visitation and funeral service.