Ruth Erstad

Ruth A. Erstad, age 84, passed away on November 3, 2026, in New Glarus, Wisconsin. She was born on September 29, 1942, in Cross Plains, Wisconsin, to Leonard and Maude (Goodman) Schulenberg.

Ruth married the love of her life, Errol Erstad, on May 5, 1962, at Norway Grove Lutheran Church in DeForest, Wisconsin. Together, they built a life and raised their five children in Verona, Wisconsin.

Ruth worked for many years at Nicolet Instrument, Intellix, and the Alliant Energy Center, where she met many wonderful people and formed lifelong friendships. She enjoyed cheering on her favorite Wisconsin teams, the Badgers, Packers, and Brewers. She also loved trips to the casino with Errol, always hoping Lady Luck would be on her side. Together, Ruth and Errol enjoyed bowling and spent many years participating in several couples' bowling leagues. They also shared a love of golf, participating in couples' golf leagues and cherishing the weekend golf trips they took with friends. Those special times on and off the golf course created many wonderful memories and lasting friendships.

Above all, Ruth was incredibly proud of her family. Her children and grandchildren meant the world to her, and she never missed an opportunity to share how proud she was of each of them. She treasured the time spent with her family and loved keeping up with all their lives and accomplishments. She was especially looking forward to welcoming her twin great-granddaughters, who are expected to arrive in January. Although she won't be here to meet them, they will always be a part of the loving family she helped build.

Ruth is survived by her children, Joel (Stephanie) Erstad, Timothy (Bridget) Erstad, Jeffrey (Cindy) Erstad, Jill (Skip) Dreyfus, and Sonja Dedrick; 15 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; brothers, Ralph Schulenberg, Francis (Patty) Schulenberg, and Dennis (Sherril) Schulenberg; and sisters-in-law, Della Green and Jean Schulenberg.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Errol; her parents; granddaughter, Ashlyn Erstad; siblings, Bernice (Doc) Wiehert, Betty (Lyle) Barsness, Della Rothman, James Schulenberg, Michael (Maryann) Schulenberg, JoAnn (Dale) Dolfen, and Donald Schulenberg; and sister-in-law, Darlene Schulenberg.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. James Lutheran Church, 427 South Main Street, Verona, Wisconsin. A second visitation will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the church, followed by a service at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ruth's family.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Agrace Hospice and the entire team at New Glarus Home for their exceptional care, kindness, and support.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Verona Chapel
220 Enterprise Drive
608-845-6625