Ruthe M. Paczkowski (Grandokken), 86, of Albert Lea died peacefully on Friday, July 5, 2013, at Just Like Home Place in Albert Lea. Ruthe was born Aug. 21, 1926, in Lake Mills to Andrew and Margaret Grandokken. She graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1943 and married Francis R. Paczkowski on Feb. 17, 1947. She was employed at Wilson & Co. and Freeborn County Law Enforcement Center.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Andrew, Jr. who was killed in action in World War II; her parents; husband, Francis R. in 1969; sisters-in-law, Berneice Paczkowski and Pat Berglund; brothers-in-law, Conrad and Roger Paczkowski; and first cousin, Vallie Winden and her husband Simon.

She is survived by sister-in-law and brother-in-law Agnes and John Capp; brothers-in-law, Russ Paczkowski and Pete Berglund; sisters-in-law, Ann Paczkowski and Joan Paczkowski; four children, Dave (Jan), Susan Yuzna, Mike and Jane (Bruce) Riemer; nine grandchildren, Beth (Mike) Albers, Dylan, Stefan (Laura), Jay, Jake Yuzna, Erika (Joe) Salvador, Michael Riemer, Annie (Dave) Heuer and Katie Riemer. She loved spending time with her seven great-grandchildren, April, Autumn and Owen Albers, Alex, Rylee and Lillah Paczkowski and Stella Salvador.

Ruthe enjoyed collecting her antique treasures, watching the Minnesota Twins games and will be remembered for her love of animals, especially cats, and for expressing strong political views, as well as being an avid bowler. The family wishes to express their special thanks to the dedicated staff at Just Like Home Place and Hospice for their care and compassion. Memorials are preferred to Hospice, Freeborn County Humane Society or Just Like Home Place. A celebration of life for Ruthe is being planned for Sept. 22, 2013, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Green Lea Golf Course, 101 E. Richway Drive in Albert Lea.

May she rest in peace.