Ruth B Rec

Chilton WI

Ruth B. Rec, age 98, of Chilton (formerly Milwaukee), died on February 5, 2026, at her residence. She was born November 11, 1927, in Milwaukee, daughter of the late Joseph and Celia Marquardt. She married Joseph Rec and together they had five children.

Ruth met Joseph at a dance at the Eagles Club in Milwaukee. He asked her dance and they danced the entire night. Afterwards, he walked her home, despite it being over five miles away. After several dates it was Ruth that made the move to have their first kiss. Her father was pretty strict when his daughters were dating - no lingering on the porch when they came home - so after a date, Joseph had to sneak to her window to tell her he loved her for the first time. 

Growing up, Ruth played clarinet and went on to play piano most of her life. She was skilled at sewing, quilting, and knitting. She and Joseph loved to entertain and often hosted parties at their home. She loved to bake and voluntarily baked twice a week for the residents in her apartment building after her husband’s death. She would leave her baked goods in the community room with the coffee. 

Ruth took pride in the work she did. She stayed focused and gave her all to each of her employers. Her greatest dedication was to her family. Following her father’s death and with her mother’s declining health, she welcomed her mother into her home for 32 years. That same dedication grew stronger with her children and grandchildren. She was caring and engaging but her 4’9” frame could become a stick of dynamite when needed. She was strict but fair as a mother. 

Ruth is survived by her children: Roseanne Zimmerman, Edward (Karen) Rec, Diane (John) Munsch, and Linda (Andrew) Lustig; grandchildren: Emily (Brian) Knier, Amanda Wagner (fiance Joseph Kramer), Tracy Anello, Toni (Douglas) Stangohr, Teri Munsch, Andrea (David) Hill, Eric (Elizabeth) Zimmerman, Joshua Zimmerman, Nicole (Jon) Maziasz, Anthony (Sarah) Rec, Elizabeth (Nicholas) Strebig; great-grandchildren: Hazel Hill, Jasper Hill, Joseph Knier, Harrison Maziasz, Porter Maziasz, Susannah Zimmerman, Noah Strebig, Walker Strebig, Amber Kramer (fiance, Caleb), Karli Kramer, Allison Kramer, David Kramer; great-great-grandchild: Emma Jo Gribowski; godchild: Kathy Wing; and many other special nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; her son: Walter Rec; her parents: Joseph and Celia; siblings: Gerald (Mary Francis) Marquardt, Everett (Louise) Marquardt, Joseph F. Marquardt, Loretta (William) Wing, and Rita Marquardt.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, February 23, 2026 at St. Paul Catholic Church (1720 E. Norwich Ave.) in Milwaukee. Friends may call from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the church on the day of service.