Ruth Miller Trelstad

RUTH ANNA BREMER MILLER TRELSTAD

Ruth Anna Bremer Miller Trelstad passed away on February 7, 2023 at the age of 102 years. She was born on January 19, 1921 in Lake City, Minnesota to John P. Bremer and Martha Steffens Bremer. Her formative years were spent on the family farm located on the bluffs above Lake City overlooking Lake Pepin. She attended St. John’s Lutheran Parochial School graduating from 8th grade.

A few years later she attended and graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Agriculture where she met her future husband, Donald R. Miller of Randolph, MN. They married April 4, 1942 and lived on the Miller farm near Randolph until moving to a farm in Vasa Township near Red Wing in 1944. She and Donald lived there until he passed in 1977.

Four years later she met Ernest J. Trelstad on a bus trip to the State Capitol sponsored by the District 1 Republicans. They were married March 27, 1981 in the presence of their families. Sadly, Ernie passed after only three months of marriage. Ruth continued to live in Zumbrota until 1992 when she decided to move closer to her daughter, Chari, so “she can keep an eye on me.”

Ruth was a devoted follower of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a student of the Bible and had a loving heart for people. She and Don were active members of Randolph Baptist Church and First Baptist Church in Red Wing. While living in Zumbrota, she joined Ernie’s church, United Redeemer Lutheran Church. After moving to New Brighton, she joined GracePoint Church and served in various ministries except for the several years she lived in Poland, Ohio, when she cared for her daughter, Lynnea, and family.

She volunteered for the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Mounds View School District Meals on Wheels, and Zumbrota Hospital. She could be counted on driving her friends to appointments and shopping, leading Bible studies and encouraging her children and grandchildren in their activities.

Her most recent residence was in New Brighton, where she was able to live independently until October of 2022 when her health dictated a move to Maranatha Care Center in Brooklyn Center. There she was lovingly cared for by staff who shared her Christian values.

She is survived by her daughter, Chari Hansen and husband, Phil, of Fridley; son-in-law, Dan Peterson and wife Sandi of Mansfield, OH; step-son, Jim Trelstad and wife, Paulette of Savage; step-daughter, Joan Peterman of Mankato. She is also survived by grandson, Stephen Hansen and wife Emily of Peterborough, England; granddaughter, Anne Marie Peterson of Nashville, TN; step-grandchildren, Jeanne Anderson (Bruce), Jan Karels, Kent Peterman (Lisa), Kari Wray (Bryan), Jason Trelstad (Jennifer); great grandchildren, Owen & Jonah Hansen, Alec Karels, Elliott Peterman, Connor (Sarah) and Andrew Wray, Jade and June Trelstad; nieces and nephews; great nieces and great nephews.

Ruth was pre-deceased by her husbands, Donald R. Miller and Ernest J. Trelstad; daughter, Lynnea Peterson; step-son-in-law, Richard Peterman; step-grandsons, Keith Peterman and Scott Karels; brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Iris Bremer; her parents, nephews and nieces.

Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, April 6, 2023 at GracePoint Church, 2351 Rice Creek Road, New Brighton. Family will receive guests beginning at 12:30 p.m.