Carol Katherine Ruckheim

Carol Katherine (Thun) Ruckheim, age 76, of Parkers Prairie went to her heavenly home on January 8, 2022. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her and ultimately gave her peace.

Born on June 12, 1945, to the late Albert "Alle" George Jr and Irene Bertha (Brockopp) Thun, of Parkers Prairie MN, Carol was baptized on July 1, 1945, and confirmed May 29, 1960, at Zion Lutheran Church (North Effington). She met her husband, Richard Arthur Ruckheim at a church choir practice and they were later married on June 27, 1964, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie. Carol was a long-time member of St. James Lutheran Church (South Effington), where she taught Sunday School for many years, was Sunday School superintendent for a period, and a member of the church choir.

Carol was known for her beautiful smile and laugh, along with her fun and creative nature. She designed and created wedding and occasion cakes for 29 years, made hand-stamped greeting cards and silk floral arrangements, sewed clothing, and had many other hobbies and crafts. In addition to being a homemaker, Carol also worked at JoAnn Fabrics, Trumm Drug, Parkers Floral & Greenhouse, and helped on the family farm. She enjoyed hosting gatherings, helping others, thrift shopping with girlfriends, playing Farkle dice, spending time with her grandkids, playing computer games, and putting together puzzles.

Carol is survived by her husband of 57 years, Richard; son, Ryan Ruckheim and his wife, Sheila, of Parkers Prairie; daughter Deborah (Hegseth) Gilbertson and her husband, John, of Zimmerman, Minnesota; grandchildren, Claire Ruckheim, Ross Ruckheim, Jenna Hegseth-Torres, and Alex Hegseth; sister, Judy Westrom and husband David; first cousin, Rena Edmundson, and many nieces and nephews. She is now at peace with her parents.

A memorial service will be held at St. James Lutheran Church (South Effington), Parkers Prairie on Friday, January 21, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. with Pastor Brown officiating. A visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, January 20th at Lind Funeral Home, Parkers Prairie and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Urnbearers will be her grandchildren, Claire Ruckheim, Ross Ruckheim, Jenna Hegseth-Torres, and Alex Hegseth.

We will miss Carol (Mom, Grandma, Aunt, Sister, Cousin, and Friend) dearly, but we are so grateful for the time we had to spend with her. We will always feel her presence in our hearts.