Louise Gerald) Rufer

Louise (Mrs. Gerald) Rufer, 93, resident of Mill Street Residence, of Fergus Falls, died Friday August 17, 2007, at the Lake Region Hospital, in Fergus Falls. She was born on November 18, 1913, in Western Township, rural Fergus Falls, the daughter of Carl and Emma (Ehlke) Fabian. Growing up in Western Township, she attended School District 49. After graduating from high school in Fergus Falls, she received her teacher's certificate from Moorhead State Teachers College, in 1937. After schooling, Louise taught in several rural districts and in Vining. Her career then led to administration, where she supervised area teachers. On December 29, 1940, she married Gerald Rufer in Fergus Falls. The couple resided at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where Gerald was stationed with the US Army. Later, he was transferred to Cleveland, Ohio, where Louise accompanied him. When Gerald was sent overseas, Louise returned to Fergus Falls. Upon his return from the service, he began a law practice, and she was his legal secretary for several years. A life-long member of Church of Peace United Methodist, she was involved with the education program, teaching Tuesday School, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. In addition, Louise was an active member of its ladies organizations. An involved member of the community, Louise was affiliated with numerous committees and organizations, including the LRH Auxiliary and its volunteer program. She will be remembered for her love of entertaining and gardening. An excellent hostess, she enjoyed the planning, preparing, and the time spent with relatives and friends. Her grandchildren and family members meant a great deal to her. Louise would extend a helping hand to those who needed it, and would often invite new church members to their home for fellowship and food. Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband in 2001, three brothers - Bernard who died as an infant, Edward who died in 1997 and Charles who died in 2004, and one sister, Winnifred, who died in 1961. Survivors include a son Stephen (Sandy), of Fergus Falls; one granddaughter, Emily of Northfield; two grandsons, Samuel (Moriya) of Detroit Lakes and Thomas (Kirsti) of Fergus Falls; a great grandchild, Sophia Louise; sisters-in-law, Ida Mae Fabian and Evelyn Fabian of Fergus Falls, along with three nieces, Sandra (Kenneth) Enstrom, Patty Anderson and Betty (Roland) Viger, and special grand-niece Sheryl Anderson. Visitation: One hour prior to the services at the Church Services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday August 22 at the Church of Peace United Methodist, of Fergus Falls Clergy: The Reverend Terry Tilton Interment: Knollwood Memorial Cemetery, Fergus Falls Arrangements: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls On line condolences: www.olsonfuneralhome.com