Ruth Koch

May 17, 1930 - November 8, 2020

Ruth Rose Koch, daughter of Henry John and Mary Rosa (Wilwerding) Langenfeld, was born May 17, 1930 in Earling, Iowa. She was baptized, received Holy Communion, and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, where she remained a lifetime member. She graduated from St. Joseph’s Catholic School in 1948. On June 17, 1952, Ruth was united in marriage to Louis J. Koch at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling. Along with helping Lou around the telephone company, they also raised five daughters: Linda, Paula, Laura, Myrna, and Gayla. Ruth also worked at Langenfeld Locker and the Earling Café. Ruth was one of the original committee members who started Bingo at St. Joseph’s. Ruth did many jobs for Bingo throughout the 45 years she volunteered. She most enjoyed preparing the lunches where she made sandwiches, soups, pies and desserts. Ruth also was a 4-H leader and a member of Catholic Daughters of America, and the Altar Society. Ruth enjoyed quilting and made many baby blankets for Birthright. She also loved making crafts and selling her items at craft fairs. She crocheted scrubbies that are known far and wide and used by many, they became known as “Ruthies”. Ruth died on Sunday, November 8, 2020 at Dunlap Specialty Care in Dunlap, Iowa, attaining the age of ninety years, five months, and twenty-two days. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Louis, siblings Joseph Langenfeld, Eulalia Finken, and Merle Langenfeld. She is survived by her children Linda (Clay) Brandenburg of Omaha, Nebraska; Paula (Michael) Riester of Dunlap, Iowa; Laura Koch (Peg Harriott) of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Myrna (Cliff) Hopkins of Gretna, Nebraska; Gayla Martin (Andy Van Deun) of Lincoln, Nebraska; grandchildren Sarah (Jordan) Boerma, Phillip Brandenburg, Christopher (Alison) Riester, Leah Hopkins (Landon Kraft), Emma Hopkins, Katie (Josh) Hesson, Daniel Martin, great grandchildren Joseph and Thomas Boerma, Owen Hesson; sister Jean (Tom) Croghan of Omaha, Nebraska; sister-in-law Rita Langenfeld of Carroll, Iowa; nieces and nephews; other family members and friends. Family suggests memorials be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church - Earling or Dunlap Nursing Home Activity Room. When conditions are safe for public gatherings, a Celebration of Life will be planned in Ruth's memory. Mass will be streamed live at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 13th, you find that link on our home screen by pushing the View Live Funeral Service - Harlan.