Ruth N. Kvalheim

STOUGHTON - Ruth N. Kvalheim, 91, of Stoughton, Wisconsin, passed away, Thursday, June 4, 2015, at her home in Stoughton surrounded by her family. She was born in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin on April 03,1924 to George and Ruth (Blackmun) Petzold. Ruth graduated from Milwaukee State Teachers College and began her 52 year career in 1946 as Music Supervisor for Stoughton Public Schools. Teaching all grades from K-12, she was especially proud of her students who performed musicals and operettas including: HMS Pinafore, The Birds Christmas Carol and Tom Sawyer to name a few. Ruth brought music to the community by creating experiences and opportunities for her choral students. Her groups would perform at least four times a school year including a CHRISTMAS Program. She was instrumental in the expansion of the music program by instituting new programs including: Mass Chorus, Opera for the Young, Worlds Largest Concert. Ruth touched the lives of thousands of people. Her skills as a musician were not limited to vocal. She played piano, timpani and cello. Ruth coached and accompanied thousands of students at Solo and Ensemble Contest. Her professionalism, compassion for students and ability to adapt with the changing educational environment commanded the respect of both her co-workers and students. She loved to tell her students that she had their parents or grandparents in school. There was never a time Ruth did not love teaching and fit the adage Once a teacher, always a teacher. She challenged students to perform at a high level and embrace the love of music. She continued to volunteer at the schools following her retirement. Mom was the best person we know, she had a keen set of values and expected no less of her children, grandchildren and students. Her love of people was apparent and her relationships spanned generations touching each and every one, leaving a part of her with them. Ruth loved sharing her love of music and had many areas of interest including embroidery, travel, camping, movies, bird watching and gardening. She was always ready to play games with her family. We will miss the late night cribbage and euchre games and midnight cookie bakes. Mom was an avid fan of the Wisconsin Badgers, Packers and the Stoughton High School Viking sports program. When she began her teaching career in 1946 as the Music Supervisor in Stoughton Schools, she started out as a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church and then became choir director for Christ Lutheran Church. She remained a member for the rest of her life. Ruth was a dedicated Christian and very active as a Sunday School Teacher, lector, guest vocalist or pianist at area churches, weddings and funerals. Ruth belonged to Delta Omicron (National Professional Music Sorority), SEA (Stoughton Education Association) and MENC (Music Educators National Conference), Baroque Choir, Eagle River Music Festival. She served as Past President of the American Legion Auxiliary, Past President of PTA, Member of Restoration of the City Hall Auditorium (Stoughton Opera House), President of Women Helping Women, MAPE and TGIR and recipient of Stoughton Community Appreciation Award. Ruth is survived by her son Steven Kvalheim and daughter Janis (Scott) Wegner both of Stoughton. Three grandchildren; Jennifer (Blake) Fasching, Andrea Wegner Malouf, and Matthew (Elizabeth) Wegner, four great-grandchildren; Avery, Titan, Aurora and Riley, sister-in-law Elsbeth Petzold and nieces; Debbie, Laurie, Kathie, Susan, Sara, Cynthia, Robin, and nephews; Keith, Gary and Rob. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Professor Robert Petzold, her sister Kathryn Hosmanek and former husband Roy Kvalheim. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, June 11, 2015, at Christ Lutheran Church, 700 County Highway B, Stoughton, WI, followed by a committal service at Graves Cemetery in Rutland Township. A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Wednesday, June 10, and on Thursday, June 11 at 10:00 am until the time of the service at the Church. The family wishes to thank Dr N.T. Casper, her nurse Renee and Agrace Hospice Center Janesville especially Shannon, Amy and Pam. All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services www.866allfaiths.com