Ruth O'Konek

Ruth V. O’Konek, 88, longtime Superior resident, died peacefully on Sunday, September 28, 2014 at the Golden Living Center in Superior.

She was born on April 21, 1926 in Hubbard County, MN to Herbert and Pearl (Hackett) Day.

Ruth married Hubert “Hub” O’Konek on October 25, 1944 and had been united in marriage for sixty-four years until his passing in April of 2009.

In addition to being a loving wife and mother, over the years Ruth held a variety of jobs, including wrapping butter, bookkeeping, making home visits for Douglas County Social Services and serving as a school aide at Pattison and Northern Lights Elementary Schools.

She was a longtime member of Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church, its Altar Society, and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court #1190. She was a lifetime member of the PTA, held various offices and was instrumental in coordinating the annual PTA Scholarship. She also was a member of the Douglas County League of Women Voters, Douglas County Board of Mental Health and the Superior Senior Citizens Center. Ruth demonstrated her concern for the quality of life in her community by voicing her opinions at the Superior City Council meetings. She organized and ran the Right to Read Summer Program for adults and children, was an active participant at the Board of Education meetings and was the 2004 recipient of the Superintendent’s Award of Excellence from the Superior School District for making an exemplary contribution to students. She also was a constant supporter of musical activities in the area.

Ruth is survived by her children, Judith Ann “Annie” (William) Stephan, Ft. Bragg, CA, Lois Marie (special friend, Roger Pettit) O’Konek, Fairhope, AL, Nancy (Michael) Biele, Bloomington, MN, Joseph (Linda) O’Konek, Bellevue, WA and Suzanne (Robert) Radtke, Elkhorn, WI; seven grandchildren, David Rantala, James (Nancy) Rantala, Nathan (Tiana) O’Konek, Tricia and Megan O’Konek, Anthony Biele, and Jessica (Todd) Grabe; three great-granddaughters, Tori and Chelsea Rantala and Olive Grabe; two great-grandsons, Henry O’Konek and Porter Grabe; one sister, Marion (Harry) Hegelson, CA and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, with a CDA rosary on Saturday, October 4, 2014 at Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church, 1111 Belknap Street, Superior and continue until the 12:00 PM Memorial Mass with Rev. Fr. Andrew Ricci as celebrant.

Interment will be in Fort Snelling National Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made in Ruth’s name to the American Cancer Society.

The family extends deep gratitude to the staff of Golden Living Center, St. Mary’s Hospice, the medical community who assisted in Ruth’s care, and to the owners and staff of The Bay Motel.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior is assisting the family with arrangements.

To leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit

www.downs-lesage.com .