Obituary: retired, beloved Belgrade and B-B-E elementary teacher passes away

Ruth Stalberger taught locally for 42 years

Ruth V. Stalberger, 92 of Belgrade, died Monday, October 21, 2024 at the St. Cloud Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 25, 2024 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Belgrade. A Christian Women's Rosary will be at 9:15 a.m. followed by the visitation at 9:30 a.m. until the start of the service. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Funeral arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Belgrade.

Online condolences can be posted to the funeral home website: www.hafh.org.

Ruth Veronica Stalberger was born on August 13, 1932, in Jordan, to Leo and Hilda (Spanier) Stang. As a young child the family moved to Belgrade where she attended country grade school and later graduated from Belgrade High School in 1950. She went on to continue her education at St. Cloud Teacher's College, which paved the way for a long and dedicated teaching career.

In 1956, Ruth married Gene Stalberger, and together they had a son and a daughter. The couple made their home in Belgrade, where Ruth worked as an elementary school teacher. Known for her passion for education and her heart for helping those in need, Ruth taught for 42 years, retiring in 1998.

Ruth and Gene were blessed with 19 years of marriage before his death in 1975. Five years later, in 1980, Ruth met Ray Volkenant, with whom she shared many happy years of companionship. They enjoyed going out dancing, sharing weekly dinners, and visiting with each other daily.

Ruth was an active and devoted member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir and participated in the Christian Women's group. Her hobbies included canning, gardening, reading, solving puzzles, and playing cards with her many card groups. She will be remembered for her strength through adversity, her deep faith, her loyalty to family, and her compassionate spirit, especially toward those who needed extra care and encouragement.

Ruth is survived by her children, Mark Stalberger of Belgrade and Mary Stalberger of Sauk Centre; grandchildren, Guy, Molly, Bethany, and Joslyn; great-grandchildren, Anna, Emma, Landon, Lachlan, Talen, Ady, Harper, Maizie, Tate, Bentley, Hudson, and Oaklee; special friend and companion, Ray Volkenant; sisters, Joan Walz and Carol Beberger; and sisters-in-law, Muriel Stang, Mary Jo (Dennis) Linder and Sandy Stalberger.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene; infant son Joseph, her parents; and siblings, Luella, Bob, and Jane.

 

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