Ruth Blecha

Ruth Marie (Schanen) Blecha passed away peacefully on July 1, 2021, at Harbor Campus in Port Washington at the age of 89 years old.  

Ruth was born in Port Washington on Feb. 12, 1932, to her parents William H. Schanen and Julia (Link) Schanen.  

On April 19, 1952, Ruth married Eugene J. Blecha at Immaculate Conception Church in Saukville.  They were married for nearly 60 years.

She was a lifelong member of the National Catholic Society of Foresters and Ozaukee County Historical Society, and was proud of her Luxembourg heritage.  

Ruth had a long career in the banking industry.  She retired in 1998 after working at several local financial institutions, including the the State Bank of Newburg and Ozaukee Bank.

Prior to Gene’s passing, they enjoyed travel and often hit the road to visit family and friends. They looked forward to their annual winter trips to warmer destinations, including Missouri, Florida, California and Hawaii.  

Ruth was an avid knitter, quilter, baker and gardener.  

After the passing of her husband in 2012, Ruth lived independently for four years in North Fond du Lac before entering the Harbor Campus independent living program in Port Washington.

Ruth and Eugene had six children, Holly (Vincenzo) Blecha DiCarlo of Waukesha, Linda Roden of Two Rivers, Mara (Roy) Rosal of Hartland, Amy (Alan) Groth of Oconomowoc, Jackie (Curtis) Burton of Port Washington and Ron (Tara) Blecha of Mequon.

She is further survived by 15 grandchildren, Nina, Matt, Megan, Sarah, Aaron, Lizzy, Jenny, Julia, Ari, Chloe, Christopher, Jake, James, Kyle and Kosta.  Ruth also has 12 great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at St. John XXIII Parish, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Saukville.  

Ruth was laid to rest next to her husband at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Newburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Wisconsin Parkinson Association.

The family would like to recognize the entire staff at Harbor Campus for the many years of fun activities, support and personal care offered to Ruth.  

Eernisse Funeral Home of Port Washington is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.