Ruth Irene Schoening

Ruth Irene Schoening, age 103, of Forest, Virginia, passed away into the arms of our Lord on Thursday, October 9, 2025. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25.21

Born on March 23, 1922, in Moline, Illinois, Ruth was the daughter of the late Karl John Wilhelmsen and Cora Irene Wilhelmsen. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Raymond Edward Schoening; her son, Stephen Schoening; her daughter, Carol Irene Haertel; two grandsons, Tom and Michael Haertel; and two brothers and their wives, Harold (Audrey) and Carl (Lois) Wilhelmsen. Her father and grandfather were Lutheran pastors, and her mother was a vocal instructor at the University of Kansas (1911 – 1921). Her parents formed the foundation for her life. They moved to Racine in 1940 where her father was pastor of Gethsemane Lutheran Church. Ruth played the organ there and was involved with the choir. She met the love of her life, Ray Schoening, in confirmation class and got married on April 28, 1945. They had three children: Steve, Carol, and John.

A dedicated music educator, she was a school music teacher. Music was her life’s work, and it was through her passion for teaching and performance that she touched the lives of many. She always said that she was thankful for her husband’s support which was given in many ways. Ruth was involved in choirs with Racine Symphonic Chorus (now Racine Choral Arts). She provided private music instruction in her home and accompany students participating in MENC auditions. She volunteered at Goodland School Choir for 10 years, at Washington Park High School Concert Choir and Women’s Concert Choir for 8 ½ years, at Lincoln Lutheran Becker Shoop Center worship services for 3 years, and at Lutheran High School choir for ½ year. Ruth graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a BS in music education in 1945 and an MS in music education in 1979. She was a member of the American Guild of Organists (AGO), Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), Music Educators National Conference (MENC). Ruth is the author and editor of From Sound to Symbol, five student workbooks combining music theory, ear training, and sight reading. There were five companion teacher’s editions. Ruth presented these books with Ray’s help at several MENC national conventions. These books were used in public and private schools from 1961 to 1998. She also wrote several short books and papers. Ruth is in the Who’s Who of American Women 1999-2000 and Who’s Who in America 2004.

Ruth and Ray were charter members of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Racine, where she was involved with the choir and served as organist for 51 years until she was 93. In addition to her musical pursuits, Ruth enjoyed playing cards and was an active participant in both women’s and men’s card clubs. She looked forward to family get-togethers, especially the annual week-long gatherings at cottages in Northern Wisconsin, which brought together their children, spouses, and grandchildren to share in good times and create lasting memories.

Ruth is survived by her son, John E. Schoening (Lucy); son-in-law, Thomas Haertel; daughter-in-law, Sue Schoening; grandchildren, Jeff Haertel (Lisa), Rebecca Harper, Matthew, Tristan, Scott (Renee), Jack (Bria), Dan (Julie) Ben (Melissa) Schoening; great-grandchildren, Norwell and Bailey Harper, Samantha (Schoening) Pearson (Spencer),, Ethan, Austyn, Brynn, Jackson, Miranda, Brandon, Lily, and Charlotte Schoening; and great-great-grandchildren Shylah and Sadie Pearson. She has many other relatives on the Wilhelmsen side of the family.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the staff of Affinity Hospice, especially Tim, Laura, and Clark, for their compassionate care during Ruth’s final days. They also extend their thanks to the staff at Runk and Pratt Memory Care in Forest, particularly Kim and the nurses and aides, for their exceptional care of Ruth.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial contributions be made to Lutheran Church of the Resurrection or the Alzheimer’s Association.

A memorial service will be held at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection at 322 Ohio St in Racine, Wi, on Saturday, December 6, with visitation starting at 9:00 AM and a service at 10:00 AM. Pastor Ryan Gerlach will officiate the service. There will be coffee and Kringle after the service. The interment will be held on Monday, December 8 at 9:00 AM at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 21731 Spring St. Union Grove, WI.