Ruth Ann (nee Zarling) Friede

Ruth Ann Friede (nee Zarling) passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the age of 99 at the Franklin Ascension Hospital.

Ruth was born to Arnold and Frieda (nee Tetzlaff) Zarling, November 30, 1926, in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. She was united in marriage to Elroy E. Friede, April 26, 1947. She worked as the secretary for the Dodge County Highway Department for several years.

Ruth leaves a lasting legacy of deep Christian faith that she proudly passed down to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her life was a rich journey of transformation; though she began life on a simple farm without indoor plumbing, she grew to become an avid traveler who explored the world overseas and visited countless landmarks across the U.S. No matter how far she traveled, Ruth always cherished coming home to host family reunions and receive visits from her loved ones. Though she had to give up reading when her sight began to fade, she remained an undefeated spirit at the card table, always ready for a game and usually claiming victory.

Ruth is survived by her children, Dave (Jan) Friede, Doug (Kenna) Friede, Jean (John) Terek, and Lois (Steve) Leistico; 26 grandchildren, Justin (Jen) Friede, Rachel (Casey) Clark, Julie(Russ) Leisses-Corcoran, Ty(Christa) Arvold, Taylor Arvold, Jessica Amberg (Jeremy Spader), Nathan (Lindsey) Amberg, Christine (Frank) Lant, Beth (Pete) Ehlert, Jeff (Lisa) Terek, Ben (Alissa) Leistico, Katie (Aaron) Jelinek, and Amanda (Anthony) Bosnak; 27 great grandchildren and further survived by many relatives.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband Elroy, and grandson Jacob Friede.

Funeral Services for Ruth will be held Monday, June 22, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 400 S, Main Street, Juneau, Wisconsin 53039. Family will greet relatives and friends at the church prior to service, 10:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m.

The Berndt Ledesma Funeral Home-Juneau is serving the family

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