Ruth Mclaughlin

Ruth (Boncel) Mc Laughlin, 93 of La Crosse, Wisconsin died November 9th, 2021.

Ruth was born January 18 ^th , 1928 to Anthony and Clara (Wisinski) Boncel of Milwaukee. Ruth attended St. Vincent DePaul School in Milwaukee and met her husband, Timothy McLaughlin a few years after World War II.

She was united in marriage to Timothy on January 29 ^th , 1949. Together, they built a family and were blessed with 6 children in 8 years. The family moved from Milwaukee to New Berlin and eventually to Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.

Ruth was a member of the Soroptimist Club along with her sister Gertrude “Mickey” Rutzen. She was active as a Girl Scout Leader for 15 years. She treasured those years and enjoyed working with the girls in their scouting careers.

Ruth worked as a Dental Office Manager, Medical Office Manager and helped her sister Mickey with her catering business. Ruth and Tim owned and operated the McLaughlin Country Inn in Spring Green, Wisconsin for about a decade.

Tim and Ruth sold the motel and moved back to Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. They made one last move together to Hartford, Wisconsin where they lived until Tim’s death.

Ruth moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin and spent her remaining years there. She loved the La Crosse area and thought it was one of the most beautiful areas in the country.

Ruth is survived by her six children, Timothy (Mary Herget) McLaughlin, Patrick (Kathy Datza) McLaughlin, Ruth (John) Ferry, Mary Claire (Bruce) Nawrocke, Kathi (James) Olson, Maureen (Mitch) Brohmer, 25 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Timothy McLaughlin, parents Anthony and Clara Boncel, her brother Leonard Boncel, her sister Gertrude “Mickey” Rutzen, brother-in- law Chester Rutzen and grandson Patrick McLaughlin.

Ruth would like to thank Nicole, Matt, and the entire caring staff at Bethany on Cass for the great care she received while living there; along with Dr. Melanie Solum, Dr. Steven Schlack-Haerer and Dr. Kristie Shappell for their compassionate and expert care, and Jen Curtis and the hospice staff for ensuring her comfort in her final months. She thanks her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren for their caring, compassion and visits, and friends Patti and Jeanne for their unflagging friendship. She especially thanks her daughter Maureen and her husband Mitch who worked tirelessly to help improve her quality of life as she aged.

Ruth had a great love for her family and for children. She viewed her family as her greatest treasure and had one last request that the entire family stay connected and have family reunions every few years to keep the family going strong.

Ruth requested no flowers for her funeral. She requests that memorials should be made with contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital - to give those so young the chance to live a long and full life as she did.

In closing, she wanted to tell all of her family and friends not to grieve her departure but to celebrate her memory; that she loves each of you and will be with you always in spirit.

Memorial Services for Ruth will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral, 530 Main Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Msgr. Richard Gilles will officiate. Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday from 9 AM until the time of service. Burial will be on Wednesday November 24 ^th at 10:00 AM at Saint Adalbert’s Cemetery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Funeral arrangements are courtesy of Schumacher Kish Funeral Home, 200 West Ave. S. in La Crosse.