Ruth L. Meihak, age 92, of Neillsville, WI, passed to eternal peace with her family by her side,
on Wednesday, June 18 th , at the Riverside Assisted Living Facility in Neillsville.
Ruth Lorraine Spaete was born on January 14, 1933, in the township of Washburn, WI the
daughter of Carl and Florence (Strebing) Spaete. She was united in marriage to Donald Meihak
on October 25, 1952, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Neillsville. Ruth and Donald
had four children, John, Shirley, Gary and Mary.
Ruth was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Ruth lived life to the fullest, she
was devoted to her family and her faith.
Ruth and Donald met when Donald come to work as a hired hand at her parents’ farm, where we
can assume that it was love at first sight. Ruth and Don spent 72 wonderful years together. Over
the years Ruth worked a variety of jobs in her career, including A&W, IGA, farming and she
also was an escort driver for Don when delivering Wick homes. After retirement Ruth and Don
spent many summers at their camper on Marsh Miller Lake, taking grandchildren with where
they spent many hours fishing, playing cards, and making many memories with family and
friends.
Over the years Ruth would have large gardens and loved to can just about anything and if you
had the chance to try her famous lime pickles you know she had the passion and knowledge of
making anything great! On Friday and Saturday nights or any night of the week you could find
Ruth and Don around the dining room table with family and friends playing many hands of cards
such as Up & Down, Hearts, Hands & Foot and Farkle just to name a few. Ruth was always the
score keeper and for some reason that score keeper seemed to usually win. Ruth had a passion
for fishing, crocheting, needle point and watching the Chicago Cubs play. Ruth’s true enjoyment
was spending time with her family and friends and creating those memories that we will all
cherish.
Ruth taught us strength, kindness, and love. Ruth we will be forever grateful to be able to call
you mom, grandma, great grandma, great-great grandma, sister and best friend.
Ruth is survived by four children, John (Kathy) Meihak of Brownsburg, IN, Shirley Meihak
(Rich) of Wautoma, WI, Gary (Brenda) Meihak of Neillsville, WI, and Mary (Armon)
Luchterhand of Neillsville, WI; eight grandchildren, Amy (Jason) Scheiwe, Melissa (Adam)
Krause, Cheryl (Jeff) Stelter, Craig (Rachel) Anderson, Jenny (Shawn) Shadrick, Tim (Therese)
Luchterhand, Matt (Jennifer) Luchterhand, Doug ( Heather) Luchterhand; Twenty-one great
grandchildren Trinity, John, & Tanner Meihak, Reya Hope, Joshua & Coleton Scheiwe, Jace
Krause, Natalie & Morgan Bloch, Caleb, Ella & Noah Anderson, Tasha, Dani & Dane Shadrick,
Koltin, Taelor & Sophia Luchterhand, Damien Luchterhand, Walker & Max Luchterhand; three
great, great grandchildren Ryker Featherston, Elise Gurney and Joey Summers; Brother-in-law,
Henry Peepgrass and sister-in-laws, Barbara Meihak, Caroline Spaete; Many nieces, nephews
and cousins.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald Meihak; great grandson Dylan
Bloch; siblings Lawrence and Robert Spaete, Dorothy Langreck; brothers-in-laws Albert and
Dale; sister-in-laws Monna, Linda and Pauline Meihak, Dolores Spaete, and Christine Peepgrass;
nieces and nephews.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank all of caregivers at Riverside Assistant Living
and hospice care in helping prepare Ruth for her journey to the Lord.
A Memorial Service for Ruth will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 11:00, at St. John’s
Evangelical Lutheran Church 711 W. 5th St., Neillsville, WI 54456. Pastor Nathan Wilke will
officiate. Music will be provided by Judy Trunkel organist. Interment will be in the Neillsville
City Cemetery. Visitation will be from Thursday, July 3, 2025 9:30-11:00. A livestream of
Ruth’s Memorial Services can be viewed at http://www.geschefh.com beginning at 11:00 a.m. on
Thursday, July 3, 2025.
Online Condolences may be made at http://www.geschefh.com.
The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Ruth’s family with funeral arrangements.
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