Karen L. (Vannes) Ruf

Karen L. Ruf, 71, passed to the loving arms of the Lord on Saturday, October 13, in the presence of her loving family. Karen was the daughter of the late Albert and Alvina Vannes of Green Bay. Karen graduated from Green Bay West High School in 1959, where she met and later married her best friend and soul mate, Roger Ruf. The couple was married at Annunciation Catholic Church on October 8, 1960. Together they shared 52 years in a marriage that resulted in 4 children (Michael, Steve, Sherri Lynn) and a foster daughter, Vikki (Schneider) Nason, and 9 grandchildren. Karen obtained her beautician license at Wis. College of Cosmetology, and worked in salons in Green Bay and LaCrosse where Roger attended UW-LaCrosse, and the couple began their family. Karen spent several years in child day care while raising her growing family. Karen was a great mother, grandmother and loving wife. She was known for her baking and cooking skills, but especially as a meticulous house keeper. Karen had a wonderful sense of humor and often joked that she wanted to be remembered as a person who left the world a cleaner place than when she entered it. The family will truly miss her loving/caring approach to all family activities, holidays, and events. She was always there for Roger at all games, as a football/track coach, and also supported children and grandchildren in their endeavors. Karen and Roger traveled extensively in later years with countless trips to Las Vegas, as well as Mexico, Bahamas, and others. Karen enjoyed craft work, and made countless flower arrangements for their home and others through the years. Most of all, Karen will be remembered as a fun loving, selfless person who put others’ needs before her own. She also truly enjoyed the company of her pet dogs, Tia and Cuddles, and her cat, Kookoos. Karen is survived by her loving husband, Roger; son, Michael (grandchildren- Ryan, Brandon, and Sean); son, Steve (grandchildren - Janelle and Lindsey); daughter, Sherri (Rick) Geurts (grandchild, Kendall); daughter, Lynn (Perry) Geurts (grandchild, Cameron); foster daughter, Vikki (Schneider) (Charles) Nason (grandchildren - Michael and Joseph). Karen is also survived by her sisters, Arlene Borremans and Gloria Cramer; and sisters-in-law, Florence Vannes and Sue Witbro, all of Green Bay. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to her parents, previously deceased family includes a brother, Ralph Vannes; and brothers-in-law, Ralph Cramer, Bob Borremans, and Bruce Witbro. Family and friends may call at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave, De Pere from 4-8pm Tuesday, where there will be a parish prayer service at 7pm. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, from 10am until the hour of Mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 220 S. Michigan St, De Pere. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am Wednesday, with Rev. Richard Getchel officiating. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com The Ruf family would like to thank the staff of the Meng Residence at Unity Hospice for their compassionate care provided to Karen during the past 3 ½ months.

Reception:
The Swan Club
875 Heritage Rd.
De Pere, WI 54115