Ruth Elaine (Torkelson) Kolb age 96 of Blanchardville passed away at the New Glarus Home on Saturday June 12, 2021 eleven days before her 97th birthday.

She was born on June 23, 1924 in Wiota, Wisconsin to Levi and Clara Amelia (Gilbertson) Torkelson. She grew up in the Argyle area and graduated from Argyle high school and then attended and graduated from Green County Normal school. She then taught school at Blaisdell School in Layfette County.

She was married to Frederick Kolb on June 10, 1945 at St. John’s Church of Christ in Monroe. They farmed outside of Monticello and moved to Blanchardville in 1952 where they farmed until retirement in 1977.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran/New Hope Lutheran Church in Blanchardville.

Her most treasured moments in life were spending time with her family and grandchildren. She enjoyed playing cards, gardening, quilting and having coffee with her friends and family.

Ruth is survived by her six children, Sonja (Paul) Kittleson, Gloria Lund, Glenda (Paul) Richert, Barbara (David) Cassidy, Sandra Jeglum, Fred (Mary) Kolb, 16 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren, and her special friend Rollie Trumble.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Fred in 2004 and son Jeffrey in 1976, granddaughter Alyssia Kittleson in 2016, son-in-law Gary Jeglum and 5 brothers and 1 sister.

She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be greatly missed.

A Visitation will be held Thursday, June 17 2021 from 4:00 until 7:00 pm at Blanchard Hall, 206 South Main Street, Blanchardville. A private funeral service will be held Friday, June 18, 2021 at 11:00 am. The service will be livestreamed at: http://www.facebook.com/saetherfuneralservice Rev. Chris Strohm of New Hope Lutheran Church will officiate.  Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery. 

Saether Funeral Service of Blanchardville is assisting the family. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family on our website