Top Banner for Ruth Ann Luken Obituary
Ruth Ann Luken Obituary

Ruth Ann Luken

January 21, 1940 - May 31, 2026

Ruth Ann Luken Obituary

San Diego, CA - Ruth Ann Benzschawel was born in Worden, Wisconsin, and grew up on a dairy farm alongside nine siblings. Life on the farm helped shape the toughness, resilience, and strong work ethic that would define her throughout her life.

After high school, Ruth moved to St. Paul, where she met the love of her life, Robert Luken. They married and settled in Roseville, building a wonderful life together while raising their three children. Their 60 years of marriage were marked by unwavering love and devotion through life's greatest joys and deepest sorrows, including the loss of their children, Jim Luken and Kathy Saari.

Ruth found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved camping, canoeing, hiking, golfing, tending her garden, and playing bridge with friends and at the Roseville Bridge Club. Her tomatoes were legendary, and her flower gardens were a source of pride and beauty. She was a faithful and active member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, generously sharing her time, talents, and treasure with her parish community.

More than anything, Ruth cherished her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and loyal friend whose strength, kindness, and steady presence enriched the lives of all who knew her.

Ruth is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Rachel Luken; her grandsons, Noah and Zachary Luken; her granddaughter and her husband, Deanna and Benny Taube; Jean Girgen, a cherished member of the family; her grandson and his wife, Jacob and Brittany Saari; and her sisters, Jane Fisher, Barbara Bryant, Mary Ann Spaeth, and Doris Bradley and her husband, Larry.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Luken; her children, Kathy Saari and James Luken; her brothers, Ervin, Bernard, Wilbur, and Alvin Benzschawel; and her sister, Lucille Sawczuk.

Ruth's legacy lives on in the family she loved, the friendships she nurtured, and the faith that guided her throughout her life. She taught her family that hard work, faith, and kindness are the foundations of a good life. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ruth's life and faith at the following services:

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Roseville, Minnesota. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the church, one hour prior to the Mass. A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow in the community room at Cedarholm Golf Course.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Catholic Charities.

Those planning to attend the luncheon are kindly asked to RSVP.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Ruth, please visit our Tree Store.

San Diego, CA - Ruth Ann Benzschawel was born in Worden, Wisconsin, and grew up on a dairy farm alongside nine siblings. Life on the farm helped shape the toughness, resilience, and strong work ethic that would define her throughout her life.

After high school, Ruth moved to St. Paul, where she met the love of her life, Robert Luken. They

Published on July 12, 2026

Events

Visitation

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

9:00 am - 10:00 am

Mass of Christian Burial

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

10:00 am - 11:00 am

Funeral Arrangements by
California Funeral Alternatives

Guestbook

Plant a Tree