Ruby Katherine Koep

Surrounded by her family, Ruby Kathrine Koep passed to heaven at the age of 84 on May 12, 2017.

Ruby was born June 30, 1932 at her home in Stony Brook Township, rural Wendell, MN to Enoch and Lillian (Ekerhaugen) Wangsness. She was baptized at Rock Prairie Lutheran Church and Confirmed at Aastad Lutheran Church. Ruby graduated from Elbow Lake High School in 1950. On June 21, 1955 Ruby and Wesley Koep were joined in marriage, marking the beginning of their 62-year journey together. They were blessed with four daughters and two sons, thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Some of Ruby’s favorite hobbies were sewing and knitting. Many of us have received hand knit sweaters and quilts to keep us warm over the years. We are grateful to be able to keep those pieces of her with us now, and continue to be wrapped in her love.

Welcoming all visitors with open arms and a candy dish full to the brim was Ruby’s trademark. She always looked forward to the next family get together where she could treat loved ones to her famous “Ruby Buns,” deviled eggs and other Scandinavian goodies. She devoted her life to caring for others whether it be family, working as a nurse’s aide or serving at church as a Sunday school teacher, holding various offices in Ladies Aid, mission quilting and participating in circle.

Ruby is survived by her husband of 62 years, Wesley Koep; daughter, Lynette Bolstad and husband Dennis; son, Michael Koep and wife Suzanne; son, Douglas Koep and wife Daina; daughter, Jane Duncan and husband Tim; daughter, Angela Erickson and husband Ryan; daughter, Monica; grandson, Daniel Bolstad and wife Laura; grandson, David Bolstad; granddaughter, Michelle Distel; granddaughter, Katie Koep; granddaughter, Abigail Hightower and husband Austin; grandson, Austin Koep; granddaughter, Madison Koep; grandson, Mac Duncan; grandson, Nick Duncan; grandson, Jordan Duncan; granddaughter, Anna Erickson; granddaughter, Emily Erickson; great-granddaughter, Ainsley Distel; great-granddaughter, Emma Distel; great-grandson, Gannon Hightower. She is preceded in death by parents, Enoch and Lillian Wangsness; foster grandson, David Harcey.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 16 at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls, MN with Prayers at 6:30. The Memorial Service will take place at Aastad Lutheran Church south of Fergus Falls, MN on Wednesday, May 17 at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery immediately following the memorial service.

We are thankful for the foundation Ruby provided for our family and will cherish the memories she blessed us with over the years.