Merline Ann Rufledt (Lee)

Merline Ann Rufledt, age 80, passed away December 22, 2021 at United Pioneer Home in Luck WI. She was born March 31, 1941 in Clarion IA to Roy and Selma (Olson) Lee. She married Roger Dietsche on August 22, 1964. After his death in 1983, she married Norman Rufledt on June 5, 1988. Merline was a registered nurse and worked at Hetzels and at the Maple Wood (now Dove) in Bloomer. She was the pianist at Faith Lutheran Church in Running Valley and a member of the New Hope Quilters. As a child, Merline wanted to be a missionary and her life reflected that. She sewed parachutes to drop missionary items, worked on numerous quilts to donate to the less fortunate, and secretly gave money to people who were in need. She enjoyed playing the piano, singing, bird watching, gardening and spending time with her family and friends.
She is survived by her daughter: Jolene (Rick) Wester of Centuria WI; step-sons: Edward of Bloomer, Bryon (Jackie) of Altoona, Kevin (Brenda) of Bloomer and Kyle (Michelle) Rufledt of Bloomer; step-daughter: Melody (Steve) Park Bloomer; brother: Nathan (Peggy) Lee of Fresno CA; sisters: Jane Lee Hutchinson MN, Sharon (Skip) Lien of Clovis CA, Ruth (Dan) Ostergaard of Olathe KS and Lois Lee VanCouver WA; 10 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Roy and Selma Lee; husbands: Roger Dietsche and Norman Rufledt; sister: Eunice Gross; step-daughter: Roxanne.
A memorial service will be held on June 11, 2022 at 1:00 PM New Hope Lutheran Church in Sand Creek with a visitation one hour prior to service at the Church.