Ruthie M. Olsen, 86, of Wittenberg, passed away peacefully Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, at Aspirus Langlade Hospital surrounded by her closest loved ones.
Ruthie was born April 6, 1940, in Birnamwood, the daughter of Vernon and Elsie (Kortbein) Schrank.
On April 11, 1959, Ruthie was united in marriage to Richard Olsen at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wittenberg.
Ruthie worked as a bookkeeper for the Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District for many years, until her retirement. After retirement, she handled the bookkeeping for her son-in-law, Tim, at The Shawano Pawn Shop, until training and handing it over to her granddaughter, Ashley, in 2021.
Ruthie was very active in her community; she was the current secretary/treasurer of the Forest Home Cemetery Association and made sure to be at every voting poll, always bringing a delightful dish to pass.
Summers brought some of Ruthie’s favorite memories. She loved going to the cottage, taking pontoon boat rides, spending time up north with friends and family and enjoying happy hour with her beloved husband, Richard. From Wednesday through Sunday throughout every summer, those times together became part of their routine. Above all, Ruthie treasured her family and the time they spent together.
Ruthie had many talents and interests that brought her great joy. She was an exceptional cook and baker. Birthdays were especially meaningful to her, making sure to ask every year exactly what kind of cake you wanted. She was adamant to always bake her delicious cakes from scratch. Ruthie enjoyed tending to her flowers and spending time watching the hummingbirds and cardinals. She also enjoyed bowling, reading, playing the piano and working on puzzles.
Ruthie is survived by her husband, Richard; daughter, Sharon Backes; two granddaughters, Kimberly (Cory Koziczkowski) Backes and Ashley (Ross) Neumann; sister, Dianne Long; brother, David Schrank; and other relatives and friends.
Ruthie was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Elsie; stepfather, Karl Burke; son, Lance Cpl. Steven Olsen; son-in-law, Timothy Backes; and brother, Roger Schrank.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wittenberg, with Vicar Jim Hartleben officiating. Burial will be in Forest Home Cemetery, Wittenberg. Visitation to be held Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
