Ruth Spielbauer

Ruth Joan Spielbauer, age 92, passed away Thursday, November 6, 2025. She was born December 15, 1932, in Oshkosh, daughter of the late Joe and Jennie (Matschi) Kubasta. Ruth married the love of her life, Marvin “Speed" Spielbauer, on September 10, 1955. He preceded her in death on February 28, 2017.

 Ruth was employed by Wisconsin Telephone Company, Kohl’s Department Store, and spent many years as a volunteer at St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Store. She enjoyed gardening, reading, time with friends, but most of all she enjoyed time spent with family; especially the annual family Fourth of July celebration where her homemade potato salad was a highlight and where she enjoyed boisterous games of UNO, Rack-O, and Phase 10 with her children and grandchildren. 

 Ruth’s Catholic faith and values were an important part of her life. She took an active role in St. Margaret Mary parish, serving in a leadership role, helping to establish the Always Young program, happily passing out donuts in the church gathering space, and in a true act of love, embroidered hundreds of baptismal gowns to welcome new babies into the Catholic faith.

 Ruth is survived by six children: Kathryn (Steven) Verboomen, Jane (Terry) Clayborne, Ann (Jack) Mika, Tom (Hilde) Spielbauer, Jim Spielbauer, Peter (Lupe) Spielbauer; twelve grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, LeRoy Spielbauer; many nieces and nephews; good friends Joan, Jan and Charlotte; and special neighbors and family friends: Chris and Mark.

 Ruth was preceded in death by her sister, Mary; sisters-in-law: Esther, Mary Ellen, Jackie, Sandy, Carol, Sister Mary Lee; and brothers-in-law: Norm, Edgar, Robert, Donald, Richard and Jim.

 The Memorial Mass will be held at 11:30 AM on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 620 Division St., Neenah, with Father Larry Seidl officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday evening at Neenah’s Westgor Funeral Home from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, with a prayer service at 6:45 PM. Visitation again at the church at 10:30 AM until the time of Mass. Interment in Riverside Catholic Cemetery in Oshkosh. In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established.

 The family thanks the staff at Oakridge Gardens and Generations Hospice for their compassionate care of our mom.