Ruth F. Kinzel, age 99, a resident of Manitowoc, formerly of Hessel Court, entered eternal life on Saturday, December 16, 2017 while surrounded by her family at Kindred Hearts Assisted Living in Manitowoc, where she resided for the past two years.

Ruth was born on March 24, 1918 in Rockwood to the late Reinhardt and Louise (Kolicek) Hessel. She graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1937. Ruth was a dedicated homemaker raising her children and was also employed at Northern Labs in Manitowoc for 15 years. At this time in her life, she loved watching her birds, coloring, playing bingo and cards, doing her Find-a-word, caring about the other residents, and feeding a dog, named Kinsey. When her children were younger one of her greatest joys was making Christmas the best celebration ever. Ruth's strength and beauty were in her love of God and family, her humor, her ability to always see the bright side of life, and to always find joy in the small things.

Survivors include Ruth's six children, Sandy (Dave) Rohrer, Michael (Karen) Kinzel, Philip (Judy) Kinzel, Kathy (Elmer) Schill, Rick (Kathy) Kinzel, and Mark (Mary) Kinzel; 14 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Eva Niquette; also other relatives and friends. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Louise and R.G. Hessel; her former husband, Henry Kinzel; three sisters, Gladys Wilhelm, Eva Hessel, and Grace Wernecke; two brothers, Russel and Daniel Hessel; and granddaughter, Sherri Ann Rohrer.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home with Rev. Dave Pleier officiating. Cremation will take place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel with entombment of Ruth's cremated remains to be at Calvary Mausoleum in Manitowoc. Following the memorial service, a luncheon will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the funeral home. The family will greet relatives and friends on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Ruth's name.

Ruth's family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the staff of Lakeland Care, and also to the loving staffs of Kindred Hearts and Heartland Hospice for all the care they provided. Also special thanks to Ruth's extended family at Kindred Hearts.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.