Ruth E. Preisler

Ruth E. Preisler, age 88, of Port Washington, Wis., passed away peacefully with her family by her side Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at the Harbor Club in Port Washington, where she had resided the past few months.

She was born on Oct. 4, 1933, in Port Washington, the daughter of Erwin and Bertha Schmidler Thome.

Ruth attended St. Mary’s parochial school and graduated from Port Washington High School, Class of 1951.

On April 25, 1953, Ruth married Lawrence E. “Lorry” Preisler, also of Port Washington, in Random Lake.

A lifelong local resident, Ruth worked at Koehring/PCM/Trak Manufacturing in Port Washington for more than 28 years after her children were in school.

An active mom and dear friend, Ruth never sat still. Lorry preceded her in death on March 7, 2002. She remained an active volunteer at the Port Washington Food Pantry and the Port Washington Senior Center. Ruth especially enjoyed playing bridge and sheepshead, as well as the center’s trips and social activities.

A longtime golfing member of the Hawthorne Honeys, Ruth also bowled, traveled the world seeing the sights, shopped and enjoyed a cup of coffee with friends. Friendships at Curves or the YMCA filled out her day.

Ruth is survived by her three children, Michael (Debra) Preisler of Waukesha, Joanne (Warren) Carroll and John Preisler, both of Port Washington; six grandchildren, Bryan (Gwynne), Steve (Patricia), Katie (Kyle), Andrew (Michelle), Angie (Shawn) and Austin; six great-grandchildren, Riley, Aidan, Ava, Levi, Evelyn and Elijah; her sister Mary (Merlin) Mueller; sister-in-law Sandi (the late Richard) Preisler; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her sister Betty Ann Czisny and her husband Norman “Swede,” brothers Robert Thome and his wives Marlene and Mary, Richard Thome and his wife Patricia and James Schulz and his wife Monica, sisters-in-law Marion Vreeland and her husband Jay and Pat Doers and her husband Victor and brother-in-law Ronald Preisler and his wife Clara.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at St. John XXIII Catholic Parish, St. Peter of Alcantara Church, 1802 N. Wisconsin St., Port Washington, Wis. The Rev. Patrick Wendt will be the celebrant. Visitation will take place from 4 to 6:15 p.m. Wednesday at the church prior to Mass.

Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Port Washington.

Memorials to the Port Washington Food Pantry (www.thefoodpantryinc.com) or the Port Washington Community Senior Center are appreciated.

Poole Funeral Home/Crematory, Port Washington, Wis., is assisting the family.

Information and condolences are available at www.poolefh.com or (262) 284-4431.