Dorothy E. Ruege

Dorothy Erna Ruege was born on March 29, 1934, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Victor and Erna (Schmidt) Thierfelder. She was born again in holy baptism on April 29 at Fairview Evangelical Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. On March 21, 1948, she confessed her faith in her savior Jesus at her confirmation at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sheboygan. Dorothy graduated from Lutheran High School in Milwaukee on June 12, 1952. She was united in marriage to John Ruege on June 27, 1953, at St. James Evangelical Church in Milwaukee, and the couple enjoyed 72 wonderful years of marriage – a marriage blessed with five children. She was a faithful pastor’s wife and a loving mother.

The Lord called Dorothy to her heavenly home on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Spero Heritage Homes in Watertown.

Dorothy is survived by her husband John, children John (Pamela) Thierfelder, Elizabeth (Dave) Dauenhauer, Carmen (Stephen) Ristow, and Naomi (Dave) Senter. Grandchildren: Alyssa (Jimmy) Pautz, Benjamin (Suzi) Ruege, John (Amanda) Ristow, Michelle Ristow, Rachel (Al) Henriquez, Christian (Beth) Ristow, Mara (Ben) Butzow, and Jessica (Ryan) Straka and great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her siblings David (Jean) Thierfelder, John (Lynn) Thierfelder, and Ann (Dennis) Hayes. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son Phillip, grandson Jeremy Senter, and brother Victor.

A funeral service will be held at 11am, on January 6 at St. Luke’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Watertown. Visitation will take place at the church from 10 am until the time of service.

Memorials may be given to Rainbow Community Care in Jefferson, Wisconsin with gratitude for the loving hospice care she received over the last year of her life.