Rutschke – Freda Rutschke of Brooks passed away in Brooks on March 15th, 2003 at the age of 88 years. Born in Schuler, Alberta on September 21st, 1914 Freda received her education in Hilda, Alberta.
She moved to Bassano in 1933 and worked on the Meidinger dairy farm. Freda married Bill Rutschke on December 27th, 1935 in Calgary and resided in Olds. They later moved to Duck Lake and Bassano before Freda retired to Brooks in 1981 where she had resided since. She loved her family, playing cards, bingo and gardening.
Freda will be remembered for her kindness and fairness. She was predeceased by her husband Bill in 1966, daughter Zelma Cowan in 1980, 3 sisters and 6 brothers. Freda is survived by her loving family, 2 daughters, Vera Biko and her husband Alex of Brooks and Melva Mehrer and her husband Ron of Ottawa; son-in-law Don Cowan of Calgary; 7 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; 4 sisters; 1 brother and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, March 21st from the Brooks United Church. Rev. George Edmonds officiating. Honorary Pallbearers are all of Freda’s family and friends. Active Pallbearers are Ed Lanz, Wayne Faas, Lyle Faas, Gerry Reidlinger, Larry Lippert and Laverne Lippert. In memory of Freda, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Diabetes Association (Brooks and District), Box 187, Brooks T1R 1B3. Arrangements in care of Smith Funeral Home. Telephone 362-4636 or 1-866-362-4652.
