Ruth Marie Hetke

On Wednesday, March 28, 2018, as Ruth Hetke prepared for her “earthly” bed, her Father in Heaven gently took her hand and whispered, “Not tonight Ruthy, tonight you are coming home.” Hand in hand they entered Heaven to join all those who had entered before her. Her beloved Vinton smiled at her as he welcomed her home. Her family had been waiting for her to join them in singing praises to their Heavenly Father.

Ruth was born on September 29, 1931 to Clarence and Esther (Espeseth) Black. She grew up with brothers: Edward, Robert and Richard; and sisters: Dorothy, Bernice, and Margaret.

She was married to Harry Conrad and then to Vinton Hetke Sr. She was the mother to 10 children: Barbara (Mel) Crisp, David (Barb) Conrad, Sandra (Douglas) Hilger, Linda Greenblatt, Debbie (Jinx) Schwartz, Douglas (Debbie) Conrad, Cynthia (Roger) Miller, Vicky (Jeff) Eder, Vinton (Penny) Hetke, and Mark (Dana) Hetke. She is survived by 31 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren

Ruth worked as a farm wife and then a nurse’s aid in the health care profession. She was an amazing baker and loved to share her cooking experiences with her children and grandchildren. Whether it was doughnuts, lefse, wedding cakes or Christmas Cookies, Ruth loved having people in the kitchen. Her love of quilting and embroidering brought her much enjoyment, as well as treasures for those she gave all creations to. She also enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family and friends.


She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; siblings; daughter: Debbie Schwartz; grandsons: Russell Plummer and Christopher Swan; great-grandson Jacob Hetke.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Bloomer. There will be a visitation from 4:00-7:00PM on Monday, April 2, 2018 at the Olson Funeral Home in Bloomer. Interment will be in the Cleveland Cemetery in the spring.