Ruth Marie Perlich

Ruth Marie (Dusek) (Dunbar) Perlich, age 82 of Circle Pines, MN and formerly of Emery, WI passed away on Monday, January 26th at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, MN surrounded by her children and family. Throughout her two year journey with ovarian cancer, she fought with determination, strength, prayers, and her faith in God.

Ruth was born March 13,1943 in Emery, WI to parents Frank and Anne (Rabusitz) Dusek. Ruth graduated from Phillips High School, Phillips, WI in 1961 and married John Lee Dunbar on September 30, 1961, they were married 17 years until John's death. Together they had daughters Patricia and Deborah and son Greggory. On October 17, 1992, Ruth married Keith Perlich of Columbia Heights, MN and welcomed two step-sons, John and James. Ruth and Keith were married for 32 years until Keith’s passing in 2025.

Ruth grew up on the family farm in Emery, WI and her family moved to Phillips, WI during her high school years. She was known as “Ruthie” by her community and she was a fierce competitor playing ladies softball in Emery. Ruth’s first love were her children and she single handedly raised them for many years. Her dedication, unconditional love and support created a special bond that made them “The Four Musketeers". Ruth was blessed with six grandchildren and two step-grandchildren who she was so proud of and 5 great-grandchildren and baby Elsie coming in April and Lainee Marie in heaven. Ruth’s legacy will be continued and her life will always be remembered and shared.

Ruth’s hobbies included, shopping at Kohls (they’re going to miss her), going to garage sales for herself,family, and the Foundation Church children's program, playing cards and having breakfast with the group, getting pedicures with Clara Burdick, birthday celebrations with her bestie Lois Vojtech, vacations with Frank and Carol, trips to Laughlin, cruises, ice fishing, and celebrating holidays with her family.

Ruth is survived by her daughters Patricia (Marty) Stephan, Phillips, WI and Deborah (John) Bant, Arbor Vitae, WI, son; Greggory Dunbar, Apple Valley, MN, daughter-in-law; Kathe Berberg Dunbar, Andover, WI, step-son; John Perlich, Bemidji,MN, Granddaughters; Kristi (Seth) Fehr, Monica (Doug Shaw) Dunbar, Katelyn Bant, Marie (Kevin) Olson, step-granddaughters; Caiden Henry-Perlich and Kelyn Henry-Perlich, grandsons; Kevin (Kylie) Zeitner, James (Julia) Bant, great-grandchildren; Rylee Marie, Natalee Marie, Beau Rallen, Russell Kane, Elijah Rocket and in April, Elsie Adele, Brother and sister-in-law; Frank and Carol Dusek, sister; Vivian Simpson, all of Phillips, WI, half-sisters-in-law; Gayle Garven, Sandra (Richard) Miicke and Diane Fahey. Special friend, Lois Vojtech.

Proceeded in death by her parents Frank and Anne Dusek, father and mother-in-law; Oliver and Virginia Dunbar, husband; John Dunbar, husband; Keith Perlich, brother and sister-in-law: Robert and Ellen Dunbar, brothers-in-law; Oliver Dunbar, Darwin Conner and Edwin Simpson, brother and sister-in-law; Robert and Virginia Zach, step-son; James Perlich, Great-granddaughter; Lainee Marie and special friend Clara Burdick.

Services for Ruth will be held on Thursday, February 5th at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 9185 Lexington Ave, Circle Pines, MN 55014 with Visitation from 10:30 am to 11:00 am and a Memorial Service at 11:00 am with refreshments to follow.

There will also be a visitation on Saturday, February 7th at Heindl-Nimsgern Funeral Home, 285 Chestnut Street, Phillips, WI 54555 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am with a Funeral Service at 11:30 am and Lunch reception to follow.  Burial will take place in the spring at Emery Cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com

HEINDL-NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.