Ruth J. Loken

Ruth Julia Loken was born June 28, 1919, to Daniel and Amanda Halvorson Thorheim in Noonan, ND. Following her father's death, she came to Albert Lea as a young girl with her mom. Ruth graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1938 and the Naeve School of Nursing in 1942. She served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army during World War II, stationed in London. In May 1946, Ruth was united in marriage to Harold Loken at the First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. She worked for Dr. Donovan at the Clinic, did private duty nursing and was employed at Naeve Hospital and the Good Samaritan Center. Ruth was a charter member of Grace Lutheran Church and active as a teacher in Sunday school and confirmation classes, as well as a member of the mission circles. She had been a Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader and was a member of the American Legion. Survivors include her children, Don Loken and Barb Wyatt of Prescott, WI, and Becky Craig Loehr of Albert Lea; son-in-law, Larry McDaniel of Albert Lea; and grandchildren: Jaymi McDaniel, Brooke McDaniel, Jordan Loehr, and Jillian Loehr. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; daughter, Debbie McDaniel; and granddaughter, Lindsey Diemer.