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Ruthe Tollefson Enstad

Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On October 16, 2020 @ 11:51 am In 2020,Obituaries | 23 Comments

WEb Ruthe Enstad

Ruthe Tollefson Enstad, age 75, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away on October 15, 2020 with husband John beside her after a 6-year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, at New Perspectives Assisted Living, Prior Lake. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and amazing friend.

A time of gathering will be held Monday, October 26, 2020, from 4-6PM and on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 from 10-11AM, with a Celebration of Life at 11AM, all at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake. Ruthe will be laid to rest at Spring Lake Cemetery in Prior Lake. Memorials are preferred and will be distributed to charities in Ruthe’s memory by her family.

Friends and family who can’t attend in-person are invited to stream the service at the following link: Ruthe Enstad Funeral Service (Meeting ID: 991 0908 1537 / Passcode: 236616)

Ruthe was born in Starbuck, MN on October 18, 1944, to Alfred and Ruby (Olson) Tollefson. She graduated as the salutatorian from her Class of 1962 and then attended Concordia College, in Moorhead, MN for one year. After a Rheumatic fever disease detour, Ruthe transferred to Fairview Nursing, then Augsburg University, in Minneapolis, MN on a journey to be interrupted for a few years after meeting John Enstad at Augsburg. They married on March 4, 1967, at East Zion Lutheran Church, in Starbuck, MN. Three sons, Michael, Jason, and Andrew were raised and during those years, along with John, helped launched the Lutheran Marriage Encounter program in Minnesota, including presenting and hosting multiple weekends. As the child raising phase matured, Ruthe resumed her academic studies at Australian National University, in Canberra, Australia. Upon returning to the USA, she completed her undergraduate BA requirements at Metro State University and a Master of Arts in Woman Studies at Minnesota State University, in Mankato, in 1990. As part of the adjunct faculty, Ruthe taught Woman’s Studies at Minnesota State University in Mankato for seven years.

In addition to her academics, Ruthe did massages, had a house cleaning business and did lots of artistic projects. She was also involved at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church (SOLLC), by singing in the choir for years and started a woman’s support group for woman at SOLLC, who had similar views on life as Ruthe.

A tandem bicycle was purchased in 2000 and over the next 13 years, with Ruthe as stoker, the team averaged close to 2000 miles per year, including a Wisconsin SAGBRAW ride, a Minnesota TRAM ride, 2 Cheese Country rides in Wisconsin, 7 Biking Around Minnesota rides (BAM), 10 RAGBRAI rides across Iowa and numerous other bike rides around the country. In addition to the athletic activities, Ruthe has been an enthusiastic grandmother to her grandchildren and attending lots of dance recitals, piano recitals, band concerts, hockey matches, basketball games and baseball/softball games over the years. Alzheimer’s robbed us of Ruthe’s amazing mind and magic in recent years, but memories are forever, and we will never forget her incredible smile and laugh.

With retirement, Ruthe was the cheerleader for international travel. Ruthe and John traveled to Germany in 2010 for Oberammergau Passion Play, traveled to Israel in 2012 and multiple cruises to Alaska, Caribbean, Spain, Italy, and France. In 2014, travels took Ruthe and John to Prague, CZ, for an international choir festival as part of the MN Oratorio Society and also returned to Australia, Norway and other Scandinavian countries multiple times.

We wish to extend our deepest gratitude to the staff of New Perspectives who lovingly cared for Ruthe—your kindness will always be appreciated. Forever loved, Ruthe will be sadly missed by husband, John; sons, Michael (Tanya Skappel) Enstad, Jason (Kris) Enstad, Andrew (Patrick Gfroerer) Enstad; grandchildren, Cole Enstad, Hannah Enstad, Bri Skappel, Taylor Skappel, Keira Enstad, Ryan Enstad; siblings, David Tollefson, Luther (Marilee) Tollefson, Grace Meloeny; other relatives and friends.

Ruthe is greeted in Heaven by her grandson, Jake Enstad; parents, Alfred and Ruby Tollefson; sister-in-law, Aileen Tollefson and brother-in-law, Harry Meloeny.

 

Arrangements with Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home & Cremation, Prior Lake.

 

 

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Condolences for the family of “Ruthe Tollefson Enstad”

Condolence from Sharon Cashman on October 17th, 2020 1:18 pm

John, I’m so sorry for your loss, but happy that Ruthie is now free! We spent so many fun times together on RAGBRAI. I was no match for the two of you on the tandem, you pulled me through many windy days. May Ruthie smile down on you and your family. Love you both,
Sharon & Bill Cashman

Condolence from Audrey Zimmerman on October 22nd, 2020 11:31 pm

Ruthe has been on my mind so much the last few weeks and now I understand why. I’m so sorry, John and family, for your loss. Having lost my sweet husband 18 months ago, I have some idea of the journey you’ve been on these last years. I love the picture of Ruthe you’ve chosen for this obituary – With her great smile, which is how I will always remember her. Even though we lost touch over these last years, she truly was a great friend. My love and prayers for you all now and in the time of grieving ahead.

Condolence from Nancy McGill on October 20th, 2020 10:20 am

We are so sorry John. I’ll always remember how Ruthie enjoyed life & always smiling. We enjoyed the years we tandem biked with you! You two were amazing cyclists!!
Thinking of you at this very sad time but also thankful she is not suffering from this awful disease. Peace be with you and your family
Hugs
Denny & Nancy McGill

Condolence from Ron & Vicki Bickle on October 20th, 2020 1:59 pm

We will always remember the fun we had with Ruthe and you, John. She was a warm and loving friend; we’ll miss her greatly.
Our prayers are with you and your family.
God is good. We’ll all be together in heaven some day.
Love
Vicki & Ron

Condolence from Carol Schmiesing on October 20th, 2020 2:41 pm

I am so sorry for your loss, John. With sympathy. Carol

Condolence from Dallas R Dammen on October 20th, 2020 3:06 pm

John:

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your wife, Ruth. What a horrible disease, Alzheimer’s. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Rick Dammen
Marshall Minnesota

Condolence from Karolyn Lee on October 20th, 2020 3:56 pm

John and family,
I was so surprised to hear of Ruthe’s passing. She was a wonderful friend and a fun classmate
when we all lived in Starbuck and then in the cities. My heartfelt sympathies go out to you John and your family and Ruthe’s family.
Sincerely,
Karolyn

Condolence from Tom and Carolyn Engquist on October 20th, 2020 5:35 pm

Dear John and family
Ruthe was a dear and precious friend. We remember her work for peace and her lovely voice in the Sanctuary Choir. She is singing again in heaven, and watching over you all.

Our deepest sympathy to you all.

Condolence from Mary and Bob Kochenderfer on October 21st, 2020 8:33 am

John and family, we sent our thoughts and prayers to you, knowing that your memories of Ruthe and your wonderful times and adventures together will keep her in your hearts…may God bless all of you with strength and love …..Bob and Mary

Condolence from Bruce Nackerud on October 21st, 2020 9:25 am

My sincere condolence to you John and your family on the loss of your loved one. May Ruthe Rest In Peace.

Bruce Nackerud

Condolence from Steve and Marilyn on October 21st, 2020 9:44 am

Dear John and Family,
I remember the enjoyable evening you and Ruthe spent at our home in Shoreview some years ago when Leif and Claudia Hartmark were in town. Please accept our condolences and although her recent years presented challenges, it cannot dim the story of her life that is now complete and you will carry the love and the wonderful memories forever.

Condolence from Joshua Lindgren on October 21st, 2020 3:09 pm

How I do remember Ruthe’s smile and laugh as I was able to spend countless Wednesday nights directing her and fellow singers in choir rehearsals, Visual Arts projects and sharing laughter around the courtyard fireplace. Into paradise may the angles lead you. At your coming may the martyrs receive you and lead you into the Holy City, Jerusalem. May a choir of angels welcome you, and where Lazarus is poor no more, may you have everlasting rest.

Condolence from Brad Gulstad on October 21st, 2020 6:26 pm

John,

I am so sorry to hear of your and your friend’s and family’s loss.

Ruthe and your voices in the choir were a blessing for me and many, and your faces a weekly joy after a week of mankind’s work-a-day world,

My prayers and well wishes go out to you and yours…

…God’s peace.

In sympathy,
Brad

Condolence from Arne Hyttnes on October 22nd, 2020 10:08 am

Dear John and Family
Our deepest condolences.
Ruthe was a great lady, and we are thankful for a very good relation during more than 20 years.

Kari and Arne Hyttnes
Enstad farm, Lesjaskog, Norway

Condolence from Marj & Sam Bert on October 22nd, 2020 10:47 am

John, you and your family are in our prayers. Ruthe was always so interested in discussing the Texas State Fair with us at each class reunion. Our deepest sympathy . . . . Marj & Sam

Condolence from Bob and Dianne Tarrant on October 25th, 2020 2:46 am

Ruthie was a dear , dear friend who we always had a great lot of fun with. We had some of the greatest trips here in Australia and in America. They started way back going to the Snowy Mountains and across to Adelaide with the two families and the last time in New York. You John and the families are in our prayers at this time as you all have been during the last few years. Ruthie you are now in the arms of your Divine Father and we will all meet again when our time comes………..Love to you all. Bob, Dianne, Jenni and Jules

Condolence from Rev Diana Hunstad on October 26th, 2020 11:57 am

Remembering good times, church choir, bible studies, dinners, and lots of joy and laughter! Ruthe was an wonderful woman!! John, you remain in our prayers.

Love from Diana and Russ

Condolence from Daniel Trajano on October 26th, 2020 12:27 pm

John,
I am so sorry for your loss. I fondly remember meeting you both for the first time on a long bike ride to New Prague and back many years ago. Ruthe will be greatly missed. My condolences to you and your family.
Dan Trajano

Condolence from Roger clark on October 26th, 2020 12:38 pm

So sorry John to hear about Ruthie. Enjoyed talking to her at choir and Dakota

Condolence from Karen and Al O’Byrne on October 26th, 2020 7:34 pm

John,
We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your entire family on the loss of Ruthe. It was our pleasure to know her the time we did. She had a gentle spirit and great kindness about her which surely brought joy to those who knew her and loved her. We send love and prayers that God’s grace and love will sustain you and bring you peace.
Karen and Allan O’Byrne

Condolence from Robin Martens on October 27th, 2020 8:03 pm

John and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Ruthe was an amazing lady and I was blessed to know her from Shepherd of the Lake. The angels have gained another choir member! May her sweet memory live on. God be with your as you mourn her loss.

Condolence from Evy Zacher on November 9th, 2020 10:29 am

John,
I am so sorry to learn about your loss of Ruthe. I am on the prayer team at my church, Mount Olivet of Plymouth, and there was a request from Jason for prayers for your family and his mom Ruthe. I was able to connect to the funeral home and read Ruthe’s obituary. I will always remember the kindness that Ruthe and you showed to us as we moved to Prior Lake to serve the parish of Shepherd of the Lake and her support for me in the difficult time that our family experienced while in Prior Lake. May God’s peace be with you and your boys and their families as you walk this journey.

Condolence from BJ Tesch on November 10th, 2020 6:26 pm

Dearest John and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Ruthe’s passing. I so enjoyed teaching with her in all the Women’s Studies classes we co-taught. Her warm, humor and discourse made for lively discussion in class and when we were alone. We shared everything with Ruthe being like a wonderful Sister to me. Every day with her was a blessing! I am sorry she’s gone… But never to be forgotten. Love all of you! Blessings and Healing… BJ Tesch

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