Ruth M. (Vollen) Kautzman

Ruth’s services will be livestreamed below starting at 7:00 PM Monday, May 12 and 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 13.

Memorial Service:

Prayer Service:

Ruth (Vollen) Kautzman, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully with family by her side on May 2, 2025, at the age of 84. Ruth was born on July 18, 1940, to Christ and Thora Vollen. She attended school in Erskine, MN and graduated from high school in 1958. Ruth was involved in many school activities and worked at Ness Cafe allowing her to develop many lifelong cherished friendships.

Ruth worked various jobs after high school. One of her favorite opportunities was the role of Nanny for two young children in Minneapolis, MN. She enjoyed her time with them so much she named her two eldest children, Grant and Deborah, after them.

In 1960 Ruth married Duane Fealy and they made their home in Fertile, MN. They raised four children… Grant, Deborah, Greg, and Deann. Ruth was a devoted Mother and loved her children deeply. She loved the smell of a freshly washed “blankie” to snuggle her babies in. Her faith in Jesus Christ played an important part of her daily life and in the way she raised her children. She was a member of Concordia Church and allocated much of her time on youth programs and Sunday School.

Ruth loved all children with her big heart. She discovered her calling upon opening a daycare in her family home. Ruth facilitated early learning opportunities and fostered well-being with her children by working with The Head Start Program. Ruth loved being in her home with her children and earned the respect of so many families who trusted their “little ones” to Ruth’s tender loving care. The smell of home-baked cookies or fresh-out-of-the-oven bread was always a staple as kids arrived off the bus!

Ruth moved to Fargo, ND, in 1989 and found a new church home in St. John Lutheran Church. Ruth was very active within St. John volunteering her time with various groups. She was especially grateful to be an active member of the quilting group. Fellowship with these ladies was a continued blessing in her life. Ruth also opened a new daycare when she moved to Fargo. Her early customers were her own Grandchildren that referred to her as Grandma Ruth! This facilitated a long line of loved children that carried on this beloved name for Ruth. Many of which continued to stay in touch during her lifetime. Ruth felt a deep sense of accomplishment and purpose in her life when news of her “little ones” made it back to her.

Ruth loved to watch her family grow and welcomed each new addition with open arms. She cherished the moments she held a newborn in her arms; marveling at the joy and love that each little one brought into her life. All her Grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she took every opportunity to participate and recognize special occasions.

Ruth cherished and nurtured her relationship with all her siblings. She enjoyed annual events like Lefse Fest which allowed everyone to come together and share news about their respective families. The annual attendance by all generations signified a strong desire for the family to come together. She also enjoyed a milestone trip to Norway with several relatives of which memories have been a topic of discussion for years.

In 1991, Ruth married Kenneth Kautzman. They continued to be active members of the church and community. Ruth cherished the times she could host family gatherings and treat everyone to her Special K Bars for dessert!

Ruth is survived by her son, Grant (Raylene) Fealy, Colorado Springs, CO; daughters, Deborah (Sean) Sande, Horace, ND, and Deann Fealy, Fargo, ND; sisters, Alice Lacoursiere, Bemidji, MN, Solveig (Jerry) Winkleman, Cambridge, MN, and Esther (Francis) Pries, Knox, PA; and brother, Talleiv (Karen) Vollen, St. Cloud, MN; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Ruth is preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Kautzman, her parents, brother, Harold Vollen, and son, Greg Fealy.

A visitation will take place from 6:00-7:00 PM followed by a prayer service 7:00 PM Monday, May 12, 2025 at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo. Visitation will continue from 10:00-11:00 AM followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at St. John Lutheran church, Fargo.