Ruby Johannsen

Ruby Margaretha (Jurgensen) Johannsen was born on a farm near Charter Oak, Iowa, June 15, 1916, the daughter of Edlef and Rose Voss Jurgensen. She was received into God?s Kingdom of Grace through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism August 18, 1916, at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison and confirmed in her Christian Faith there, March 20, 1932 with the Rev. Wm. Frehse officiating at both ceremonies. Ruby was raised on farms around Denison during her formative years moving to Denison in 1936. For 29 years, from 1951 until retiring as office deputy in 1980, Ruby was employed at the Crawford County Sheriff Department. She spent her retirement years in Denison where she remained active volunteering and serving in many organizations including; Crawford County Council on Aging, serving as their secretary/treasurer for many years beginning in 1990; Organizational Board of T.A.P. and remained a board member for many years; member and secretary/treasurer of the Howdy Neighbors Club in Denison; Committee Volunteer for Tele-Care serving five to six times a month and was a member and former board member of the Crawford County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary in Denison. She was a life-time active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Denison where she was a member of Ladies Aid and Evening Guild holding many of their offices through the years. In her spare time she enjoyed bookkeeping, fellowship with family and friends, playing euchre and helping others. In January of 2007, Ruby moved to Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison and it was there her death occurred surrounded by her loving family Friday morning, May 16, 2008. At the time of her death she had been blessed with 91 years, 11 months and 1 day. Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, Edlef and Rose Jurgensen, her son, Don Lee Johannsen in May of 1952, her brother, Gerald Jurgensen and a nephew, Roger Jurgensen. Those remaining to cherish and honor her memory include three nieces and one nephew, Rhonda and husband, Gary Hank of Wakefield, Nebraska, Denise and husband, Bryce Meeves of Denison, Iowa, Barry L. Jurgensen and special friend, Rachel Green of Denison, and Robin and husband, Charles Meyer of Denison, 14 great nieces and nephews, 2 great great nieces and one great great nephew, sister-in-law, Lorraine and husband, Wilbur Groth of Denison, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 19, 2008, at Zion Lutheran Church, Denison, Iowa, with the Rev. Kurt R. Kaiser and the Rev. David M. Sewing officiating. Music for the service was provided by Larry Boeck singing "Old Rugged Cross" and "Nearer My God To Thee" and the congregation singing "Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me" and " I Know That My Redeemer Lives" with Jeanette Venzke serving as organist. Those serving as Honorary Pallbearers were Vigil Boeck, Gaylord Boeck, the Rev. Virgil and Bonnie Ewoldt. Pallbearers included Gary Hank, Chad Hank, Barry L. Jurgensen, Barry G. Jurgensen, Joshua Jurgensen, Shane Jurgensen, Charles Meyer, Jonathan Meyer, Bryce Meeves, Bradley Meeves, Jason Knickman and Terence Boeck. Interment was at Morgan Township Cemetery, Schleswig, Iowa. Following the committal rites the family cordially invited everyone to return to the church for a meal prepared by Staley Catering and served by Zion Ladies Aid and Evening Guild. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home in Denison was in charge of arrangements where online condolences may be directed to www.pfannebecker.com .