Ruth Litzkow

Ruth M. Litzkow, age 95, passed away Thursday, August 20, 2015 at Ridgewood Care Center. Ruth was born in Racine, July 2, 1920 daughter of the late Edward and Florence (Nee: Ball) Haack.

On January 29, 1944 she was united in marriage to Frederick H. Litzkow who preceded her in death, September 15, 2008. Ruth and Fred along with Fred's sister, Anne, opened the Park In Restaurant in 1946. Anne retired in 1957, and Ruth and Fred sold Park In in 1992. She was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Ruth enjoyed golfing with the Ives Grove and Washington Park Golf Leagues, wintering in Florida, and traveling with Fred whether it be to the annual National Barbershoppers Chorus Conventions or to Australia, Japan, and Germany.

She will be dearly missed by her children, Ruth Ann (Fredric) Schmidt, Joani (Robert) Miller, all of Racine; her grandchildren, Bryon (Carri) Schmidt, Kristin (John) Avery, Trever Miller, Traci Miller, Tory Miller; her great-grandchildren, Nicolas Schmidt, Alexandra Schmidt, Dawson Miller, Isabelle Miller, Daniel Miller, Remy Miller, Caleb Avery; special niece, Carole Kapellusch; other nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Oliver (Dorothy) Haack, Hazel (Glen) Travis, and Dorothy (George) Jarapko.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 24, 2015, 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home with Rev. Jack Gilbert officiating. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Monday at the funeral home from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at 11:00 A.M. Memorials to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Racine Lutheran High School, or one’s favorite charity have been suggested.

A special thank you to her terrific compassionate caregivers, Gene Despins and Connie Reff and all the nurses and aides at Ridgewood Care Center on 1West .