Feb
18
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Our Savior's Lutheran Church
703 Flieth St, Wausau, WI 54401
Book nearby hotelsFeb
18
11:00 a.m.
Our Savior's Lutheran Church
703 Flieth St, Wausau, WI 54401
Book nearby hotelsFeb
18
Services provided by
Helke Funeral Home and Cremation ServiceLois Ruether, 82, was called to her heavenly home on January 31, 2026, while under the care of Aspirus Hospice Care at Mount View Care Center.
Lois was born May 14, 1943, to Herald and Hermandina Sommerfeldt. She married Robert "Bob" Ruether on January 26, 1963, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, where they remained members. Together, Lois and Bob had three amazing children whom they loved very much. Lois worked at Aspirus Wausau Hospital for 42 ½ years before retiring in May 2008. Lois loved and lived to spend as much time as possible making memories with her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed spending time with her siblings, in-laws and many friends. Lois was a member of the Wausau Eagles Club Ladies Aux. and had volunteered for the Badger State Games for over a decade.
Lois is survived by her three children, Laurie (Paul) Hitts, Tammy (Rich) Beilke and Brian (Wendy Schneider) Ruether; 11 Grandchildren and 23 Great-Grandchildren; siblings, Shirley (Corky) Nowak, Nancy Manowski, Leta Klumpyan; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; sisters Betty Viergutz and Jean Gehrke; brothers, Vernon Sommerfeldt and Harold "Buzzy" Sommerfeldt and other in-laws.
A funeral service will be held February 18, at 11am at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 703 Flieth Street, Wausau, with a visitation from 9am up until the time of service. Rev. Wranovsky will officiate. Lois will then be laid to rest at Restlawn memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Devos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
We wish to thank the staff at Mount View Care Center and Aspirus Hospice Care for the kindness and compassion they showed to Lois and our family.
Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family
Please Donate in honor of Lois Ruether to Support Children's Health in West Michigan Link here: Corwell Children's Hospital
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
302 Spruce St, Wausau, WI 54401

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreFeb
18
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Our Savior's Lutheran Church
703 Flieth St, Wausau, WI 54401
Book nearby hotelsFeb
18
11:00 a.m.
Our Savior's Lutheran Church
703 Flieth St, Wausau, WI 54401
Book nearby hotelsFeb
18
Services provided by
Helke Funeral Home and Cremation Service