Ruth Sunsdahl

Ruth A. Sunsdahl of Litchfield, MN passed away peacefully in her home on November 24th, 2024 at the age of 94. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday December 6, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at church. 

Ruth Amanda Wohlin was born on March 25th, 1930 in Colfax Township, MN to Peter and Bertha Wohlin. She grew up on her family farm and after finishing high school in New London, attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with her nursing degree in 1952. After working at the University Hospital for 8 months she took a position at Meeker County Memorial Hospital, where she spent the remainder of her career.

Ruth married Norman Sunsdahl on October 30th, 1954. They bought their home on Lake Minne-Belle, and had two boys Greg and Bruce. She was a talented seamstress and spent many hours making sweaters, stocking caps, blankets and quilts for 4 generations of family members. She loved to bring people together, regularly hosting family reuniuns and holiday meals, and enjoyed to play cards and games. Passionate about Minnesota sports, especially the University of Minnesota teams, she attended many football, basketball, hockey and baseball games and followed the teams closely into her 90’s. An active member in her local community her entire life, she was a volunteer for many organiztions. As a cancer survivor she was especially passionate about growing the Litchfield Chapter of Relay for Life, and fundraising for the American Cancer Society. After retirement, she volunteered for hospice programs, and helped people with transportation and care when undergoing cancer treatment. Her kindness, compassion and selflessness while helping others in her career as nurse, as well as helping people during difficult times touched countless people in her community.

Ruth was a long-time member of Zion Luther Church and also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Survivors include her son, Bruce (Mary-Beth) Sunsdahl; daughter-in-laws Katie Sunsdahl and Barb VanOverbeke; grandchildren Bryce (Jessica) Sunsdahl, Jill (Adam) Larson, Brad Sunsdahl and Ben Sunsdahl; 6 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Elaine Sunsdahl and many nieces, nephews and their children. 

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband Norman Sunsdahl, on October 25th, 1990; son, Greg Sunsdahl on April 21st, 1993. Brothers and sisters, Raymond (Lois) Wohlin, Lester (Beverly) Wohlin, Sidney (Pearl) Wohlin, Wilfred (Evelyn) Wohlin, Bernice (August) Erickson and Gladys Mickey Wohlin; brother-in-laws Lawrence (Phyllis) Sunsdahl and Richard Sunsdahl.