Ruth A. Schwichtenberg

Ruth Anne Schwichtenberg, lifelong resident of West Bend, passed away on December 3, 2024 at the age of 92. She was born on March 8,1932 to Leonida (Berres) and Erwin Wiskerchen, grew up on 3rd Avenue and graduated from West Bend High School. She married Vern Schwichtenberg on December 28, 1950. Ruth and Vern built several houses in the West Bend area and enjoyed collaboration on home renovation projects. They raised their family of three girls while enjoying camping and travel to western states, Canada and northern Wisconsin. Ruth loved the years that she was home with her girls and expressed her creativity and nurturing through cooking, baking, and gardening. Ruth was also an accomplished seamstress, including making beautiful communion, prom and wedding dresses for her girls and other friends and family members. She was an active member of St. Francis Cabrini Church and the Christian Mothers. As her family was growing, Ruth fulfilled a lifelong dream when she graduated from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee with a teaching degree in 1976. She taught middle school science at Holy Angels School until her retirement in 1996. Ruth was known for the high standards that she upheld for the children whose lives she touched. She had a passion for science and math and enthusiastically shared that with a curriculum that was "hands on" and experientially based in a laboratory style classroom.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Schwichtenberg, her parents Leonida and Erwin Wiskerchen, and loving friend, Bill Kleinert.
Ruth is survived by her children and their spouses, Kay Schwichtenberg and Herman Baumann, Kerry Schwichtenberg and Tom Menzel, Ann Schwichtenberg and Bill Wassweiler. Also, her beloved grandchildren Ashley Frescoln (Alex), Sam Menzel (Liz), Ella Wassweiler, Martha Wassweiler (Brad Phillips) and Joe Wassweiler. The arrival of her first great grandson, Otto Henry Frescoln in April, 2024 was the highlight of her final days. Ruth is also survived by her sister, Kristine Schneiss (Dan) and their children.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at St. Francis Cabrini Church in West Bend, WI. Visitation will be at 9:30am with mass following at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to charities that were meaningful to Ruth which include Smile Train and Common Heart Hospice.
The Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend is serving the family. If you would like to leave a message of comfort and condolence please visit www.schmidtfuneralhome.com