Ruth Harriet Saeger

Ruth Saeger, 105, was peacefully called home to her Lord and Savior on September 12, 2026. A woman of deep faith, enduring strength, and boundless love, Ruth lived a remarkable life that touched generations of family, friends, students, and all who knew her.

Ruth was born on June 18, 1921, in Wausau, WI, to Henry and Alvina (Mathwich) Prochnow. She graduated from Concordia Teacher’s College in River Forest, IL, where she met the love of her life, Lyle Saeger. They were married in 1943 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wausau and shared a devoted life centered on faith, family, and service. Ruth and Lyle devoted 40+ years to Lutheran education in NY and Wauwatosa, WI; she attributed her long life to teaching kindergarten. Teaching was her calling; she loved sharing the message of Jesus and was known for her patient encouragement, helping generations of young students build confidence while nurturing their creativity, curiosity, and joy in learning.

Following retirement in 1986, Ruth embraced an active life filled with walking, quilting, games, volunteering, and treasured friendships. She had a gift for making friends wherever she went and touched countless lives with her kindness, optimism, and gracious spirit. Her greatest joy was time spent with family, especially at the cottage on Lake Pesobic in Merrill. She and Lyle were blessed to have spent summers at the cottage and winters in AZ.

Having witnessed more than a century of change, Ruth met life's blessings and challenges with unwavering faith and quiet grace. She was a woman whose optimism, resilience, and trust in God never wavered, leaving a lasting example for all who were fortunate to know her.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Sally (Roger) Rohrbach of Payson, Arizona; her son, Stephen (Andrea) Saeger of Wausau; grandchildren Kathleen (Robert) Hill, Shaya (Jimi) Straw, Mauri (Andrew) Brueggeman, Rayne (Juli) Rohrbach, Stephanie (Kenneth) Zingler and extended grandchildren Amy Novak, Tony Hernandez, Betsy Hernandez, Melody Hernandez; and many beloved great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lyle; her daughter, Susan Szucs; her siblings, Arlene, Valeria, Adrian, and Constance; and her granddaughter, Ruth Anna Emmanuel Rohrbach.

A celebration of Ruth's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 6205 Alderson Street, Weston. Pastor Lance Hoelscher will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of service at the church. Interment will be in Merrill Memorial Park.

Memorials may be directed in Ruth’s name to Northland Lutheran High School in Kronenwetter, WI.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.ascendweston.org.