June 12, 2017 – West Bend, WI – Ruth V. Burkel (nee Zopf), of West Bend, lived 100 full years of life before finding her eternal rest on Friday, June 09, 2017 while at the Cedar Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center in the town of West Bend.
She was born on February 14, 1917, Valentine’s Day, to the late Adam and Elizabeth (nee Hinricher) Zopf in McFarland, California. On October 28, 1939, Ruth was united in marriage to Henry Burkel in Cudahy. Henry preceded Ruth in death on September 21, 2001. In addition to raising four children, Ruth enjoyed a long career as a secretary at Allenton Elementary School.
To cherish her memory, Ruth leaves behind her three children, Pat (Rich) Gullickson of Ogdensburg, Rose Otte of Boynton Beach, Florida, and Mike (Cindy) Burkel of West Bend; 11 grandchildren, Ben Burkel, Jackie (Mark) Redeker, Tracey (Rob) Pfeifer, Julie (Mark) Wiedmeyer, Ryan Otte, Troy (Sonia) Otte, Jill (Jeff) Baker, Kelly (Nate) Bremseth, Nick (Julie) Burkel, Adam (Nicki) Burkel, and Alex Burkel; 12 great-grandchildren, Kayla and Logan Redeker, Bret and Hannah Pfeifer, Seth and Kirsten Wiedmeyer, Kellan Otte, Kaleb and Kaylynn Burkel, Owen and Mason Bremseth, and Arrow Burkel; a daughter-in-law, Mary Pat Burkel of St. John, Indiana; and many other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Ruth was preceded in death by her son, Don Burkel; her son-in-law, Mike Januchowski; two sisters; and two brothers.
A private family service in remembrance of Ruth has been held.
The family would like to thank the staff at Cedar Community as well as the staff of Cedar Community Hospice for the compassionate care that Ruth received while with them.
The Myrhum Patten Miller and Kietzer Funeral Homes have been entrusted with Ruth’s