Ruth M Lokken (Sittlow), age 99, of Baldwin, died on October 12, 2011 at the Baldwin Area Medical Center.

Ruth was born on April 23, 1912 in Baldwin, Wisconsin to August and Lydia (Fern) Sittlow. The eleventh of twelve children, Ruth grew up on the family farm East of Baldwin and attended the East Baldwin Grade School. As a young woman, Ruth worked for different families in the Baldwin area as a housekeeper and nanny. It was in 1946 that Ruth married Carl Lokken. The marriage was blessed with three children; Robert, Larry, and Julie. The newly formed Lokken family would settle in Baldwin. Carl would own and operate the Lokken Brothers Store while Ruth raised the children in the family home. In the early 60’s Ruth began work for the Baldwin School District as a hot lunch cook and would continue there until her retirement in 1977. She enjoyed her retirement taking care of the grandkids and hosting many family meals. In October of 1983 Carl passed away. Ruth would continue living in their home until 2004 when she moved into the Birchwood Apartments. She made her final move to the Baldwin Care Center in October of 2010.

Ruth was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She was very active in the lives of her children and grandchildren serving positions such as; den mother, girl-scout leader, or even just a supporter and encourager. Her favorite times were when she was cooking and hosting a meal for her friends and family. She was especially good at making pies, breads, and other baked goods. She also made homemade soups, canned preserves and sauces and eventually mastered the art of Norwegian delicacy, for her husband, in the form of lefse and lutefisk. Ruth was active with the Gethsemane Lutheran Church where she served on women’s circles, lunch and food committees, and taught Vacation Bible School. Ruth enjoyed relaxing with puzzles, watching sports on tv, and by playing dominoes and various card games while sharing a pot of coffee with friends.

Ruth is survived by her; children, Robert (Joann) Lokken of Baldwin, Larry (Mary) Lokken of Baldwin & Julie (James) Lokker of Baldwin; grandchildren, Carrie (Tom) Klatt of Emerald, Adam Lokken of Baldwin, Kelly (James) Phillips of Baldwin, Scott (Valerie) Lokker of Fort Walton Beach, FL, & Katie Lokker of Sydney, Australia; great-grandchildren, Brady, Logan & Tessa Klatt of Emerald, Elizabeth & Ian Phillips of Baldwin and Sophia Lokker of Fort Walton Beach Florida; sister-in-law, Marge Rasmussen of Baldwin. She is further survived by many other relatives and friends.

Ruth is preceded in death by her; parents, August and Lydia (Fern) Sittlow; husband, Carl; brothers, Johnnie, Lester & Arnold; sisters, Louise Lindus, Esther Harvieux, Minnie Forsythe, Hannah Zobel, Alice Taylor, Clara Hop, Agnes Schouten and Christina Sittlow.

A Funeral Celebration of Life for Ruth will be held at 11am on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Baldwin. Burial will follow at the Baldwin Cemetery. Visitation will be held for 1 hour prior to services at the church as well as on Friday, October 14 from 4-7pm at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Baldwin. Services are in the care of the O’Connell Family Funeral Home – Baldwin Chapel. 715-684-3434