Bernetta Regina Ruchotzke

Mrs. Bernetta Schreder Ruchotzke, 89 of DeWitt, Iowa, passed away on July 16th, 2024.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in DeWitt. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the church. Burial will be at St. Irenaeus Cemetery in Clinton, Iowa.

On February 11, 1935, in Calio, North Dakota, Ludwina and Frank Schreder welcomed a baby girl, Bernetta, into the world. Bernetta had an older brother named Francis. Growing up Bernetta's fondest memories were of the family farm, where she enjoyed many joyous holidays celebrated with family, friends, and tasty food.

As a little girl, Bernetta aspired to be a teacher. Her favorite class was reading, a passion she would continue to cherish throughout her life. Bernetta played basketball, participated in band, and was active in 4-H during her school years.

After high school, Bernetta graduated from Colorado State College with a BA in Elementary Education. She went on to earn her MA from the University of Northern Iowa in Elementary Education and her MA in Special Education from MaryCrest College. Bernetta began her 40 year teaching career in a rural country school in Cavalier County, North Dakota, then onward to Washington, and Texas before concluding at Jefferson and Harding schools in Clinton, Iowa. In May of 1995, she received the honorary “Stan Reeve’s Gold Kettle Award.”

Bernetta enjoyed going to dances with her friends and in 1974, her friend introduced her to Ambrose Ruchotzke. The two hit it off and later married in 1979. Ambrose served in the U.S. Navy on active duty in the South Pacific Theater during World War II, and brought two children into the marriage; together they raised Holly.

After the couple retired, they planned and attended multiple U.S. Navy Reunions. They traveled often to see their grandchildren, other family members and explored places like Hawaii and Ireland. Ambrose passed away on March 10, 2018.

Bernetta was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Her hobbies included sewing, baking, playing dominoes, crafting, gardening, and watching Iowa Hawkeye Basketball.

Surviving family members include Jim Ruchotzke, Holly Ruchotzke (Dan) Bernabei and their daughters Marcy Bernabei, Gina Bernabei, and Tori Bernabei; beloved niece and nephew, Mary (Rod) Keeney, and Terry (Brenda) Bronson, along with numerous other nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Ambrose, those preceding Bernetta in death were her parents and her brother.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com

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