Carol J. Ruether

Carol Jean (Jaeger) Ruether, 83, of Wausau, WI went to her heavenly home on October 10, 2024 after battling dementia. 

 Carol was born in Wausau, WI on January 11, 1941. She was one of five children born to Adeline and Edwin Jaeger. She graduated from Wausau High School where she met her beloved and devoted husband James Ruether. She dedicated much of her life to raising her two much loved children, Tracie and Jason, and then helping to raise her grandchildren, Jordan McWilliams, and Madi and Alli Ruether whom she loved so very much. 

 In addition to being a wonderful mom who taught her children so much, Carol was a great cook, canned many vegetables grown by her husband, and made delicious applesauce, jam, and salsa. She crafted quilts and blankets, crocheted beautiful afghans, towels, hats and mittens that are still enjoyed by family, friends, and hospital cancer patients. For quite a number of years she painted ceramic figures and sold them at various craft shows in the Wausau area. When Tracie and Jason complained about their school food she became the cook at Our Savior's Lutheran School. The kids were incredibly lucky as she made delicious, home-cooked meals. Her grandchildren loved her cooking, especially her homemade chicken dumpling soup, not to mention her chocolate chip cookies, apple bar, pie, and other delicious desserts. She was also well known for her baked beans both at home and church! 

 Carol was a devoted wife to Jim and stayed by his side even when he was stationed in Alaska, causing her to miss him greatly. When he returned home, she supported him when he worked multiple shifts, in all of his sporting events, created and maintained many friendships for the both of them, and kept the entire household running smoothly. 

 Carol loved being part of both Our Savior’s Lutheran and Mountain of the Lord. She had a strong faith and valued the friends she made at both churches. She volunteered at both churches throughout her years and shared how she was grateful that her husband introduced her to her faith. 

 Carol loved her many friends, her family, her kids, grandkids and their friends. She was a vibrant presence in any room. She knew how to have fun, share her positive, fun spirit with others, joke around with anyone of any age, and often was found smiling with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. She was known as “Ma Ru” by so many younger folks who loved her. It seems fitting that even with her dementia diagnosis, one could still find times when she was able to joke around and smile. 

 Carol is survived by her devoted husband, Jim, of 64 years who misses her greatly; her two children Tracie (Terry) and Jason (Heather) who fully understand how lucky they were; her three grandchildren who were blessed to have her in their lives for many years; her older, or younger brother (depending on who is sharing the story), Don (Jan) Jaeger, sister Tammy (Phil) Jaeger, and Ed Jr. (Sharon) Jaeger, who all enjoyed fun times with their sister; and many nieces and nephews who also shared great memories with her. 

 She was preceded in death by her equally fun brother David (Peggy) Jaeger, and her parents. 

 Visitation will be held from 9am to 11am on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at Mountain of the Lord in Rib Mountain with the service to follow at 11:00 AM. Lunch will be held after the service.