Ruth M. Banasik

Ruth M. Banasik, 81, of rural Genoa went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday December 23, 2011 at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse. She was born on October 28, 1930 in La Crosse to Edward and Elsie (Shilling) Pittenger. She was a 1949 graduate of Logan High School. Ruth married Harold Krause on June 27, 1953. Together they farmed at rural Genoa. He preceded her in death on April 18, 1977. On December 6, 1980, she married Robert Banasik. They enjoyed many happy years together. He preceded her in death on July 9, 2005. Ruth was a member of St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chaseburg and a former member of the Green Acres Homemakers Club.

Survivors include two sons, David (Ann) Krause of Stoddard and John (Leanna) Krause of La Crosse; one daughter Diane (Michael) Abnet of La Crescent, Minnesota; 8 grandchildren Mark (Sarah), Chris (Jill), Sam, Mattie, Alicia, Joshua, Ava and Michaela; one great granddaughter, Maci; 8 step children Judy (Carl) Ganely, Priscilla (Bob) Graf, Cindy Herlitzke, Bonnie Dahl and Roberta (Scott) Ackerson all of La Crosse, Craig (Karen) Banasik of Stoddard, Steven (Mary) Banasik of Roberts and Kim (Norm) Tadt of Janesville; 23 step grandchildren; 32 step great grandchildren and one step great great grandchild and one sister Katherine Atchison of Onalaska.

In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers Lorell and Charles and a sister Lucille Bey.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday December 27, 2011 at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chaseburg. Rev. Steven Oldre will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. Friends may call on Monday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley and at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until service time. Memorials may be given to St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.