Katie Ruen died peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026, surrounded by family. She is greatly missed by her husband Ed, her sister Peggy, her children, her grandchildren and the many friends and extended family whose joy and love she received and returned over the years.
A memorial service and committal of ashes will be held Saturday, June 13 at 11 a.m. at the family farm, 22513 Grosbeak Road in Lanesboro, Minn.
Born and raised in Freeland, Pa., Katie loved to dance, sing, spend time with her children and grandchildren and watch movies with a big bowl of ice cream in hand. Always up for a good parade, she was a regular fixture at Buffalo Bill Days.
Along with Ed, Katie was an early patron and enthusiast for the Lanesboro arts scene, most notably the Commonweal Theater, which she adored and supported from its earliest days at the St. Mane. Through the years, Katie could be found happily cruising the bike trail, canoeing the Root River, grabbing a bite at the White Front Cafe after a show, clapping along to Arv’s accordion at Das Wurst Haus and, in her final months and weeks, visiting with her son and daughter-in-law (Peter and Cyntia) and the wonderful shoppers at Lanesboro Market.
Her spirit lives on in Lanesboro, in the Duschee valley, in the many lives she impacted, and any night in town at the moment of anticipation when house lights fade and the stage magically comes to life.
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