Ruth P. Potratz

Ruth Pauline (Fenner) Potratz “GG”, 97, of Fond du Lac was greeted by her Savior Jesus Christ on January 9, 2023.

Ruth was born on Friday, March 13, 1925 to William and Laura Fenner. Ruth grew up surrounded by animals, tractors, and all things farm life. Her upbringing gave her a lifelong love of gardening, growing plants, and loving all animals including her countless dogs, rabbits, and pet chicken. Ruth lovingly fed all her neighborhood wild animals to create some of the plumpest squirrels and birds in Fond du Lac. She would write to her friends with stories of the escapades of her backyard friends. Ruth had a love of cooking, baking, and canning. She was well known for her chocolate chip and lemon cookies and raspberry jelly. In 1948 Ruth joined Paul Potratz Jr. in marriage. Together they raised three children, Mary Ann, John, and Mark. Family was always top priority to Ruth as she cared for every parent, extended relative, child, grandchild, or lost soul in need of guidance to Jesus Christ. Ruth’s love and service to others was sacrificial, she truly worked to be the hands and feet of Christ.

Ruth was a devoted Christian. She grew up a member of the Salem Methodist Church. After marriage she joined Church of Peace. She created the beginners department to help foster a love for Jesus and Christianity for 3-5 year olds. Eventually Ruth rejoined Salem Methodist Church, and with her daughter Mary Ann worked to ensure the church’s Apple Harvest Festival was a success.

Ruth is survived by her children, John W. Potratz and Mark (Carol) Potratz; six grandchildren, Angi (Andy) Roloff, Jenny Potratz, Jacki (Chris) Haase, Paul Potratz, Seth (Marianne) Potratz, and Bethany (Mark) Nier; eight great-grandchildren, Averi and Carter Roloff, Norah, Kate, and Clare Haase, Corban Nier and Jenny’s children, Olivia and Jack. She is further survived by her cousin, Don Fenner. Ruth was proceeded in death by her father and mother, William and Laura Fenner; her husband, Paul Potratz Jr.; her father and mother-in-law, Paul Sr. and Mildred Potratz; her beloved daughter, Mary Ann Potratz; and daughter-in-law, Constance Potratz.

As a family, we wish to thank all those who have supported and prayed for our family during this difficult time. When Ruth was unable to go to church, the church came to her. Salem United Methodist parishioners came weekly to make sure Ruth had fellowship and was able to participate in communion. We would specifically like to thank Betty Rozek, Nancy Hammock, and Marilyn Haye for their unwavering and valued friendship to Ruth over the last few years. The family would like to thank Mary Lou and Lon Zuehls for their monthly visits since the passing of Mary Ann. We also wish to thank SSM Hospice for the exceptional care in Ruth’s last year, specifically Kayli, Emily, Anna, and the entire staff at the Hospice Home of Hope.

A private funeral service will be held to remember Ruth.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com