Jewel M. Von Ruden

Jewel M. Von Ruden, 89, passed away peacefully Saturday December 10, 2016 in Owatonna, MN. Jewel was born in Jay Township, Martin County, Minnesota June 18, 1927, the oldest daughter of Paul and Martha (Becker) Peters. She attended school in Sherburn, MN, graduating from Sherburn High School in 1945. Following high school, Jewel moved to Claremont, MN where she worked at the local bank for several years. While at the bank, Jewel was introduced to a local Claremont bachelor, Norbert Von Ruden. They courted each other, fell in love and were united in marriage on February 15, 1947 at Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Claremont. Jewel and Norbert were blessed with a long marriage having celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary this past February at their home in Fountain Hills. Jewel was an early advocate of opportunities for children with Down Syndrome and became an active member of what is now The ARC Minnesota. Founded in 1946, The ARC Minnesota remains a strong advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as support for parents and siblings. In 1964 Jewel received an Outstanding Service Award from The ARC Minnesota in recognition of five years of distinguished service on behalf of children with Down Syndrome. Following her husband's retirement in 1975, Jewel and Norbert alternated time between their home in Fountain Hills, AZ and Owatonna, MN. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends. Jewel had a lifelong avocation for card games and loved to play Pinochle and 500. She was an avid reader, Minnesota Viking fan and in her younger years a snowmobile aficionado. Jewel is survived by three children, Daglin (Mary) of Golden Valley, MN; Timothy (Carmen) of Claremont, MN; and Susan (John Grady) of Hayward, WI; as well as a brother, Willard of Sherburn, MN; and a sister, Laurel (Hughart) of Canoga Park, CA. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Erin, Kelly, Shannon, Joseph, Karina, Holly and Macy and two great grandchildren, Finley and Maxwell as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Jewel is preceded in death by her husband, Norbert, an infant daughter Susan Kathleen and daughter Paulette Marie. Mass of Christian burial is set for Wednesday December 28, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatonna, MN with visitation 2 hours before starting at 9:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow at Rice Lake Cemetery, Claremont Township, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The ARC Minnesota or St Croix Hospice.