Ruth M. Knotz

Ruth M. Knotz, age 84 of Faribault, MN passed away on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at The Pillars Hospice Home in Oakdale, MN following a brief illness.

Ruth Marie, the daughter of Harold and Marie (Seltz) Stege was born on May 17, 1938 in Minneapolis, MN.  She attended Chaska High School and graduated with the class of 1956. After high school she attended Mankato State University and after three years received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education.  Ruth married John (Jack) Knotz in June of 1960.  Ruth and John were in the same Kindergarten class and were best friends.  They were so close that Ruth was the only girl invited to Jack’s birthday party.  Jack preceded her in death on August 15, 2017. 

Ruth had a passion for teaching children and her teaching career began in Faribault at the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf and then she taught for a short time at the Faribault School District.  The majority of her teaching career was at Divine Mercy Catholic School where she taught First Grade for 41 years.  She was a beloved teacher and she took great pride in her work.  Her devotion to education was unparalleled, she truly wanted every student to succeed and never lowered the bar of excellence.  Instead she was often found spending extra time tutoring those who struggled.  She loved her students and they were always her top priority. That was very evident any time she went to the store, she would see former students and they would always want to strike up a conversation with her and catch up on each others lives.

Ruth was also an accomplished piano player having studied as a young girl.  Her love of music was evident throughout her life.  Even after surviving a brain tumor, when she could barely speak, her ability to play intricate pieces on the piano remained intact.  Ruth also loved to travel and counted a trip to Norway as one of her highlights.  She enjoyed playing bridge, had a love of sweets and was a member of the AAUW.

She is survived by her children, David of Faribault, MN, Susan of Memphis, TN and Jane (Avion) Reed of Maplewood, MN; she also leaves behind three granddaughters, Haley, Kenzie and Ellie and her great granddaughter, Emmy Ruth and other relatives and friends. Ruth will be greatly missed by her family and community.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Marie Stege, by her husband, John (Jack) and by her sister and brother-in-law, Marguerite and Fred Boyne.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Faribault with Fr. Cory Rohlfing officiating.  Interment will be held at a later date at Meadow Ridge Memorial Park, Faribault.

Memorial visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory on Thursday, April 13, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Friday for one hour prior to services.

For online tributes and further information visit www.ParkerKohlFH.com.