Memorial service for Ruth will be Tuesday, June 27, 2017, 11:00 a.m. at The Historic Woodside Place, rural Baldwin.

Visitation will be Tuesday, June 27, from 10-11:00 a.m. at Historic Woodside Place prior to the service.

Ruth Afdahl, 82, of Baldwin, Wisconsin died Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at the Baldwin Care Center

Ruth Ellen Afdahl, age 82, went "Home to Heaven" on Wednesday, June 21, 2017.  Residing at the Baldwin Care Center for nearly four years, she was tenderly cared for by many who loved her and spoke of her graciousness.

Ruth was born July 11, 1934 to Otto and Norma (Tubman) Thompson in River Falls, WI.  She was baptized in Pickford, MI and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Spring Valley, WI.  She started Elementary School in Pickford, MI followed by two years in Sioux Saint Marie, MI and one year in Fish Creek, WI.  After graduating from Spring Valley High School in 1952, she attended one year of college at Luther College-Decorah, Iowa. 

Ruth was united in marriage to David Afdahl on August 22, 1953 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Spring Valley.  Their marriage was blessed with four children:  Karn, Joel, Tom and Susan. 

Ruth always abounded with optimism and her words of encouragement edified others in a powerful way.  Beyond her words, she was an active "doer!"  Sometimes referred to as "Super Mom," the image of her role embraced ALL that a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, neighbor and even independent business woman could entail!  Cooking, cleaning, gardening, canning, freezing, baking, scheduling, packing orders, phoning, running, driving, traveling, whistling, singing, hugging, laughing, loving.  She did it ALL!

SHARING SHAKLEE!  Ruthie loved being a Shaklee Coordinator and enjoyed tremendous success as a Business Leader.  She grew a huge Shaklee family with members across the United States.  Ruth and Dave enjoyed Shaklee conventions in Hawaii, San Francisco and even Switzerland!  Ruth was dedicated to wellness.  She lived what she believed and was a shining light to every person who crossed her path. 

Ruth was a great listener and encourager.  The kitchen cupboard was a comfortable "perch" and hours of sharing were spent over dishes.  Forenoon or afternoon coffee breaks with family and friends were regular and memorable.

On December 12, 2009 Ruth was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Wayne Voelker.  Wayne and Ruth enjoyed a trip to Branson, a wedding in Colorado, Christmas parties with cousins, and many family gatherings.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Wayne Voelker of Woodville; Mike and Barb Voelker and family of Colorado; Ann Luther and family of Florida; Karn (Bob) Camp of Baldwin; Joel (Kathy) Afdahl of Baldwin; Tom (Judy) Afdahl of Ellsworth; and Susie (Mark) Titera of Bagley, MN; 10 grandchildren:  Jason, Jenn, Aaron, Jennifer, Luke, Daigen, Jordan, Emily, Anna and Nathan; 9 great-grandchildren:  Evelyn, Scarlett, Landon, Amaya, Addyson, Adeline, Isabella, Broderic and Silas; two sisters, Cathy (Bob) McSwain of North Carolina; Betty (Carl) Shuler of Florida; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.