Ruth Tesar Wiegel passed away peacefully on Friday, September 4, 2026, surrounded by memories of family, friends and a long, fulfilled, well-lived life.

Born in Chicago on December 1, 1931 to Austrian immigrants, the late Henry and Rosalia Tesar, Ruth was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, aunt, great-aunt, great-grand aunt, step-mother and friend.

She was married to her late husband, Don Wiegel, for 30 years. The two met while dancing, an activity Ruth enjoyed throughout her life.

Ruth had many interests and passions over the years. In her younger years, she enjoyed bowling, playing tennis as well as traveling, reading, completing puzzles, and dancing.

Ruth worked for the Chicago Tribune for more than 30 years, where she also participated in the company bowling league.

Above all, Ruth cherished her relationships with family and friends. She could spend hours talking with family members. She especially loved hearing from her nieces and learning about the accomplishments of her great nieces and nephews. She took a genuine interest in the next generation, delighting in their milestones, everything from her great-grand nieces attending elementary school to her great-grand nephew rolling over for the first time.

Family was deeply important to Ruth and she made those around her feel that they mattered most of all.

Her friendships were equally treasured. Ruth enjoyed having breakfast with her new friends at Covenant while continuing to meet regularly with her longtime “Lunch Club” friends from high school. She valued the connections she made throughout her life and the simple pleasure of staying in touch.

We will always remember Ruth for her generosity, her genuine interest in and concern for others, her warm smile and her laughter. Her legacy will live on through the family and friendships she treasured and the many lives she touched with her kindness, thoughtfulness, and love.

Ruth is survived by her nieces, Marian Roth-Cramer (the late Rusty Cramer), Karen Roth (Fred Steinemann), Lorin Roth-Keating (Gary); great-nieces and nephews, Dr. Christopher Keating, Samantha Peterson Mosley, Amelia Steinemann, Jacqueline Keating Gregory, Elizabeth Peterson, Tyler Steinemann, and Erik Cramer; her great-grand nieces and nephew, Josephine, Elle, and Oliver, and her late husband Don Wiegel’s children, Robert and Michael Wiegel.

Visitation and Mass will be held at St. Norbert’s Church, 1809 Walters Avenue, Northbrook, Illinois on Friday, September 18, 2026. Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by a Catholic Mass at 12:30 p.m