Ruth Normann Pieper

Ruth Normann Pieper, 91 of Northfield, Minnesota, formerly of Crystal Falls, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2024 at Northfield Hospital.
A beacon of kindness and love throughout her life, Ruth was born on November 15, 1933, in the nurturing community of Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she also grew up and received her education. Ruth's youthful spirit was nurtured in the hallways of Hale Elementary School, grew in wisdom at Ramsey Junior High, and blossomed at Washburn High School, where she graduated and laid down the groundwork for her future. Pursuing her passion for education, Ruth attended the University of Minnesota, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1955. Her dedication to fostering the minds of the young was a testament to her faith-filled heart and caring nature.
Ruth married Alfred B. Pieper on November 24, 1955. Their bond was one of mutual respect and deep affection, thriving even as Al was drafted into military service. This led them on an international journey to North Carolina and subsequently to Germany, where they welcomed their first son in 1957. Upon their return to the United States and settling in Edina, MN, Ruth resumed her calling as an educator, touching the lives of countless students through her school teaching, home, and special needs tutoring. The couple was blessed with two more sons during the years that followed, and Ruth balanced her professional life with her role as a loving wife and devoted mother. Her career also saw her contribute at Northwest Chainsaw and Dundee Nursery, where her personable and kind nature was greatly appreciated. In later years, she and Alfred made their home in Crystal Falls, Michigan where they enjoyed her dream of living on a lake and fishing everyday. They then returned to their Minnesota roots in 2023 to Northfield.
Ruth's life was rich with interests and community involvement. She was an active member in every church she attended, served on the board of the Cass Lake Episcopal Camp, volunteered at the Harbour House Museum in Crystal Falls, and most significantly, served as a key member of the Mutual Ministy team at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Crystal Falls. A lover of nature, Ruth loved to camp, especially canoeing, she found joy in gardening, maple syruping, spending time on the lake. Her hobbies included knitting, fishing, crosswords, horseback riding, and reading. Not one to stay idle, Ruth delighted in travel, especially to see her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also very much enjoyed the simple pleasure of being outdoors. Her presence will be immensely missed, but her influence will endure in the love she gave and the lives she enriched.
She is survived by her husband, Alfred; sons, Eric (Julie) of Rochester, MI, David (Laurie) of Fond du Lac, WI and Paul of Waseca, MN; grandchildren Jason (Ada), Kristen (Eric), Jestin (Elizabeth), Jeffrey (Kayla), Tyler (Claire), Cameron (Anita), Elliot (Merry) and Lilith (Gabriel); Great grandchildren, Abigail, Hannah, Samuel, Michael, James, Nathan, Avens, Emmett, and Owen.
She was preceded in death by her parents Jacob and Ruth Stefferud and sister, Alice Olson.
A memorial service will held at a future date to be determined.
Funeral arrangements are trusted to Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home & Crematory. www.northfieldfuneral.com