Ruth Marie Gaastra, 79, died in Wheaton Franciscan Hospital-All Saints on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 as a result of complications from a brief illness. She was born in Racine on April 29, 1927, the daughter of the late Joseph and Ione (nee: Schilke) Lamparek. On May 22, 1948, she married Louis Gaastra at Holy Communion Lutheran Church. He preceded her in death on January 3, 1996. Mrs. Gaastra worked for Lincoln Lutheran Home from 1966 until her retirement in 1993. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and the 20 Year Club at Lincoln Lutheran Home. She also served as a Cub Scout den mother and was active in the PTA. She enjoyed cooking, baking and working in her flower garden. The times she loved most were those spent with her family. Surviving are her children, Bonnie (Gaylord) Weidner of Yorkville, James (Karen) Gaastra of Racine, Janis (Roger) Drissel of Burlington, Richard (Melody) Gaastra and David Gaastra all of Racine; 12 grandchildren, Daniel (Laura) Drissel, Thomas Patrenets, Rachel (Russ) Hetland, Brian (Julie) Patrenets, Jennifer (Brett) Powell, Kevin (Heather) Patrenets, Jaclyn (fiancée, Don Street) Gaastra, Amanda (Rob) Steberl, Travis Gaastra, David Nelson, Kevin (Karen) Weidner, William (Michelle) Weidner; 12 great grandchildren; son-in-law, Larry Nelson of Racine; special friends, Joyce Baker and Mavis Agerholm and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and beloved husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Carolin Nelson; brothers, Joseph “Sonny,” Robert, her twin, Richard Lamparek and by her sister, Joyce Jensen. Her Funeral Service will be held on Monday, April 30, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 3700 Washington Ave., with Rev. Randal Poppe and Rev. Thomas Chryst officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Sunday from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and in the church on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow West Lawn Memorial Park. The family has suggested memorials to the Grace Lutheran Church Sunday School Program. The family would like to thank Mary Jo of Wheaton Franciscan All Saints Hospice, the entire Hospice staff, as well as the entire 2nd floor staff at the hospital for the care and compassion shown Ruth and her family.
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