Ruth Arlene (Knuth) Dutka, age 93, passed away on Tuesday May 30, 2023 at the Elkader Care Center, Elkader, Iowa, after suffering a heart attack on Friday May 26, 2023.
Ruth was born on October 28, 1929 to Arthur and Mabel (Kjosa) Knuth. Ruth attended a one room schoolhouse and then went to Elkader High School graduating in 1947. Following her graduation she served as a teacher in a one room schoolhouse and became a telephone operator working in Forest City, Iowa and Madison, Wisconsin. She became friends with co-workers during her time as an operator and continued these friendships for many years.
Ruth married Donald Dutka on November 20, 1954 at Norway Lutheran Church. Following a honeymoon to Cedar Rapids, Iowa they returned to this area where Donald worked as a hired man for local farmers. This lasted a few months when they decided to begin farming on their own. They rented farms in various locations in Clayton County until purchasing the farm near St. Olaf from Ruth’s parents in the early 1960’s.
Ruth primarily resided on her family land until 2009 when she sold the remaining parcel and moved to Prestige Court Apartments in Garnavillo, Iowa. While living in Garnavillo, Ruth volunteered at the Senior Citizen meal site for which she received a State of Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award in 2014. After suffering a physically debilitating stroke in 2016 she began residence at the Elkader Care Center.
Ruth was a lifelong member of Norway Lutheran Church as she was baptized, confirmed, and married there. She served as a Sunday School teacher for a time and was a member of the Norway WELCA.
Ruth is survived by her 3 sons, Randy of Trempealeau, WI; Howard (Jodie) of Temecula, CA; Danny of Rochester, MN. She is also survived by five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Donald in 2008, and her brother Ronald in 2009.
A graveside service is planned for 11 a.m. on September 30, 2023, at the Norway Lutheran Church Cemetery, 18829 200th Street, rural St. Olaf, IA. with Pastor Marshall Hahn officiating. Following the service, a meal in the church will be served where family and friends can celebrate Ruth’s life.
Memorials may be directed to Norway Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 56, St. Olaf, Iowa 52072 or a charity of the donor’s choice.