Obituary of Ruth Marie Rapke

Ruth Marie Rapke, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2024, in Robbinsdale, Minnesota at the age of 69.

Ruth was born on November 30, 1954, in Philadelphia, PA before moving to Minnesota in her early youth. Ruth’s warm presence and caring nature left an undeniable mark on all who knew her. Ruth brought humor, strength, and love to all that had the privilege to know her. Her ability to provide comfort and love made her an exceptional wife, mother, and grandmother all roles she embraced wholeheartedly. Her desire to be remembered for kindness, humor and being the “crazy grammy” will live on eternally. Ruth’s love for her family was unparalleled and she often expressed this through the time she spent with them, the care she provided and the joy she found in life's simple pleasures.

Ruth’s greatest pleasure in life was spending time with her family and friends. She treasured every moment shared, creating lasting memories filled with laughter, love, and cherished experiences. Ruth was proud to have been married to her high school sweetheart Robert Rapke for 51 years after meeting as pen pals, during the Vietnam war. Ruth’s 4 children, Christy Caldwell (Garrett), Joshua Rapke, Danielle Rapke, and James Rapke held a sacred place in hear heart. Ruth loved her grandchildren with every fiber of her being and will live on forever in them, Timothy Tuey (Melanie Holmquist), Zachary Wilkinson, Emily Wilkinson, Danasia Kelly, Arrianna Smith, Jahmira Smith, Alyssa Osterberg, and Isabelle Rapke. Great grandchildren, Madisyn Ford-Tuey, Macklin Tuey, and Mason Tuey whom she loved dearly and who brought her sheer joy. Ruth’s warmth, love, and guidance will be deeply missed.

Ruth is also survived by her two brothers Walt Geissler (Tammy) and Terry Geissler (JoAnne) who she adored. She is also survived and deeply adored by her nieces and nephews: Jeff Rapke (Stevi), Shonda Wytaske (Brandon), Jason Geissler (Kate), Alex Geissler (Kat), Alycia Jerdee (Kevin), along with great-nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

Ruth was preceded in death by her Father Walt Geissler and Mother Ruth Geissler.

Ruth was a dear friend and “mother” to anyone who needed a place to go, a warm hug, or just someone listen. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She always had an open door, a warm meal, and a big helping of apple crisp for anyone who needed a hug. Her love will be felt like a ripple for decades to come from anyone who had the pleasure of spending time in her presence.

Ruth’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew her, but her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. Her laughter, her love of life, and her ability to make everyone feel cherished will be sorely missed but never forgotten.

Ruth will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony, no public memorial will be held per her wishes.

I lieu of flowers, please consider a gift of a donation to The Sloth Institute in her name Home - The Sloth Institute.

I’m Free
by Shannon Lee Moseley

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.
I’m following the path God has chosen for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call;
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
to laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way;
I’ve found now peace at the end of the day.

If my parting has left a void,
then fill it with remembered joys.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss;
Oh yes, these things, I too will l miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
look for the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much;
good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.

Perhaps my time seems all too brief;
don’t lengthen your time with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and peace to thee,
God wanted me now – He set me free.