Ruth Ann Duchac

Ruth Ann Duchac, age 87, of the city of Antigo Wisconsin, peacefully passed away on April 24, 2023, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family.

Ruth was born July 9, 1935, in Green Bay, Wisconsin to Rose Guenther and Warner Jones.

Though her childhood was not easy being raised by her grandfather and her Aunt Clara Damitz, she made the best of what life offered her. At a young age she was milking cows, working in potato fields, and walking a mile to catch the school bus to attend the Eau Claire River Grade School. Taking time off of school to work in the potato fields was not uncommon, but with the grace of a few teachers she was able to graduate in 1953 from Antigo High School.

In 1953 she married Gerald Randl, together they raised eight children, divorcing in 1977. Her children, farming, and working in the potato fields was not the only thing that occupied her time. She found time to plant a garden, can the produce, iron all the kids Sunday church clothes, and pack them up for Sunday mass. She waitressed for 30 plus years at various restaurants, including Listles, Antigo Café, Jerry Teschs, and lastly, Riverview Country Club, where she retired from.

Though she didn’t like to cook, she made the best sauerkraut, dumplings, spareribs, and her famous apple bars and pies. She was always the first one in the kitchen and the last one out. Family gatherings were always important to her. Making sure there was always enough food for everyone to take a care package home with them. She so selflessly gave her time, energy, and love to everyone around her and never expected anything in return.

Ruth was a fierce, loving mother and a devoted grandmother. She spent countless days nurturing and spoiling her grandchildren. They were the loves of her life for the last 46 years. She loved with her whole soul and will always be remembered for that.

In 1990, Ruth married the love of her life, Robert Duchac and spent retirement enjoying life on the Duchac family farm with their beloved dogs, Duchess and Dukie. Together they enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, gardening, and dancing to polkas! They never missed cocktail hour with family or friends.

Her independence fell short at the young age of 86. In April 2022, she moved in with her daughter Jodi where with the help of family, she was able to enjoy her final year of life. Even in her last year, Ruth still had her sassiness and a quick wit that would shock us all. She has left an undeniable mark on everyone who knew her that will never be erased.

She is loved eternally by her children: William (Cheryl) Randl; Mary Seis; Lori (Dave) Hasse; David (Vanessa) Randl; Kelli (John) Jenkins; Patti (Earle) Becker; Jodi (Matt) Keller.

She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren: Jessica (Jamie) Dontje; Stephanie (Zak) Breitenfeldt; Dave (Danielle) Hasse; Heather (Jordon) Hasse; Heidi (Kevin) Mobley; Chantel (JT) Jenkins; Richard (Kara) Jenkins; Jessie Jenkins; Richard Hansen; Joshua (Dawn) Hansen; Dylon (Claire) Becker; Shelby (Gonzalo) Keller; Kelsey (Jayden) Keller; and her 15 great-grandchildren.

She is survived by: Her brother Allen (Linda) Pearson.

Ruth is proceeded in death by: Parents, Rose & Russell Pearson; Husband, Bob Duchac; Son, Richard Randl; Granddaughter, Amanda Randl; Son-in-Law, Randy Seis; and Great-Granddaughter, Isabella Bernich.

A Funeral Service for Ruth will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 3:00 pm at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home, 504 Edison Street, Antigo. Visitation will be Saturday May 6th from 12 noon until time of service.

Ruth’s family would like to extend their personal gratitude to Julie Werth, her caregiver, her doctors, and the team at Compassus Hospice Care, especially one of her LPNs, Creation. Thank you for taking such great care of our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. The family would also like to thank the countless friends and family near and far for their constant support, love, and care.

Mom, grandma, great-grandma: No matter how far, we feel you always. We miss you, we love you, and we hope you are singing with the angels! Goodnight Irene <3