Ruth Marie Kemnitz

Ruth Marie Kemnitz, née Roehrs, age 100, of Bradenton, FL, formerly of Lincolnwood, IL, died Saturday, November 22, 2025, in Bradenton. Devoted daughter of the late Rev. Gerhard A. and Marie, née Fox, Roehrs, she was born February 18, 1925, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Ruth spent her early childhood in North Dakota, where she completed first through fifth grade, then moved to Chicago and graduated from Taber Lutheran School in 1939. Ruth went on to attend Von Steuben High School in Chicago, graduating in 1943.
Following her graduation from high school, Ruth worked for the Army Air Corps office for one year. She then entered the three-year nursing program at Swedish Covenant Hospital in 1944 and became a registered nurse in 1947. Ruth went on to serve at Swedish Covenant Hospital and Wesley Hospital.
Ruth married Dr. Herbert Kemnitz in 1950, and during the years they were raising their family, she devoted herself to being a stay-at-home mother, volunteering for school and church activities. In the mid-1970s, Ruth returned to nursing at Swedish Covenant Hospital on a part-time basis until her retirement at age 70.
After her husband passed away in 1990, Ruth, always an avid Cubs fan, began working at Wrigley Field as an usher – her dream job. She worked there for 22 seasons and retired at age 87.
Ruth poured her heart into everything she did – caring for her family, tending to her patients, and later welcoming fans to Wrigley Field. Her enthusiasm and devotion earned her Employee of the Year awards in both her nursing career and her ushering role – a testament to the joy, kindness, and dedication she shared with everyone around her.
Beloved wife of the late Dr. Herbert C. Kemnitz; dear mother of Mary J. (Thomas) Krier and the late Craig H. (Gail Dobeski); cherished grandmother of Thomas, Alex, and Andy; dear sister of the late Luther Roehrs, Gertrude Sharpnack, and Rev. Roland (Jean) Roehrs.
Visitation, Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 11 a.m. until time of Funeral Service, 12 noon, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 7870 Niles Center Rd., Skokie.
Interment private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 5201 Galitz St., Skokie, IL 60077.
Funeral info: 847.673.6111 or habenfuneral.com to leave a condolence message. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth, please visit our floral store.