Ruth Horihan

Ruth Horihan, 72, of Hokah, MN passed away on July 31, 2015. She was born March 31, 1943 to Ervin and Mary (Stemper) Krueger of Caledonia, MN. She attended Loretto High School in Caledonia. Her first husband, Verdayne Ganrude, died in a car accident on August 26, 1962, leaving Ruth and three small children. She married Charles Horihan on February 19, 1966 and moved to the family farm in Butterfield Valley, where through the years they were blessed with five more children.
Ruth was a devoted mother and farmwife. In addition to her domestic duties she worked as a bookkeeper/secretary for St. Peter’s Church and School for many years, and for the Hokah Co-op for nearly 25 years. She also served as the Hokah Township clerk for 21 years. Ruth worked steadily and faithfully in all these roles until a cancer diagnosis in November 2014 meant she had to pass them on.
Ruth was actively involved at St. Peter’s Church and School of Hokah. Over the years, she offered her sewing talents, her cooking talents, and her administrative talents. She accomplished things with a “love everyone” approach and a “get it done” attitude.
Ruth is survived by her eight children, thirteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Randall (Deena) Ganrude and their children, Christopher and Kaitlyn all of LaCrosse, WI, Mark Ganrude and his children, Brittany and Sarah, all of Ruther Glen, VA, Patricia (Russ) Konrad of River Falls, WI, and her children Holly Kamrowski and daughter Isabella of Pigeon Falls, WI, Marcus Heller of Madison, WI, and Lisa Heller of New Orleans, LA, Elizabeth (Robert) Finamore and their children Angelina, Olivia, and Gabriella all of Cumming, GA, Joseph Horihan of Caledonia, MN, James Horihan of Hokah, MN, Jeffrey (Nicole) Horihan and their children Jack, Preston and William all of LaCrosse, WI, and Rev. Robert Horihan of Winona, MN. She is also survived by her siblings, Lois (John) Hayek of LaCrosse, WI, Arden Krueger of Caledonia, MN, Rita (Gerald) Noel of Caledonia, MN, and Gerri Schroeder of Caledonia, MN, sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ervin and Mary Krueger; her first husband, Verdayne Ganrude; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Esther Horihan; her husband Charles Horihan; and her siblings Arlene Schuldt, Donald Krueger, Marilyn Lawson, Bernard Krueger, and Wilmar Krueger.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 4th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church in Hokah, MN. Rev. Robert S. Horihan will serve as celebrant. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Hokah. Friends may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crescent on Monday from 3:00 to 7:30 p.m. Rosary will be led at 3:15 pm and a prayer vigil service will take place at 7:30. Friends may also call at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St Peter’s, the Diocese of Winona, Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, ABLE, Inc., or the organization of the donor’s choice in Ruth’s name.
The family wishes to express special appreciation to the Diocese of Winona and Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary and ABLE, Inc, as their compassion and understanding gave Bob and Joe the flexibility to meet their work responsibilities and still provide excellent in-home care for Ruth. The family also wishes to thank Mayo Clinic for the excellent guidance and care that Mother received, especially through the Oncology Department and Hospice Services. Finally, we would like to thank the entire community for all that has been done for Ruth, especially in these recent months. The letters and cards, the hugs and support, and above all, the prayers and the love offered earnestly for her and her family are blessings that will never be forgotten.