In Memory of Ruth M. Youngren

Ruth M. Youngren, age 90, of Odebolt, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at Odebolt Specialty Care of Odebolt, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 21, 2023, at the United Methodist Church of Odebolt, Iowa. Rev. Ken C. Miller will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Odebolt Cemetery of Odebolt, Iowa

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the United Methodist Church of Odebolt, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Odebolt, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Ruth Youngren was born on March 28, 1933, at home in Odebolt, Iowa. The daughter of Harry and Minnie (Alderson) Kessler, she was baptized and confirmed in her faith at the United Methodist Church of Odebolt, where she was a lifelong member.

Growing up on a farm north of Odebolt, Ruth attended country school at Richland #1 and graduated from Odebolt High School with the class of 1950. On December 2, 1951, Ruth was united in marriage to Carol Youngren in the United Methodist Church of Odebolt. The couple were blessed with three children: Robert, Janet, and Gerald “Jerry”.

A faithful member of the United Methodist Church of Odebolt, Ruth served as church treasurer for many years. She participated in Tri M’s and UMW. Ruth also was a 50-year member of the Ingleside club. She volunteered her time with the Ladies Legion Auxiliary and as an EMT on the Odebolt Ambulance.

After Ruth raised her family, she started her career as a secretary for Swanson Insurance Company of Odebolt for 38 years until retiring in 2011. Her many joys in life came from her family. She was very proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s accomplishments. Ruth enjoyed supporting and attending many of their activities.

Ruth also enjoyed: going for rides, checking crops, walking, biking, the mountains, her church family, flowers, country music, and shopping.

Left to cherish her memory include her husband Carol Youngren of Odebolt, IA; daughter Janet (Steve) Case of Omaha, NE; grandchildren: Preston (Morgan) Youngren of Odebolt, IA, Jordan (Joel) Hustedt of Galva, IA, Aaron (fiancée Tara Russell) Case of Los Angeles, CA, Jason Case of Omaha, NE, Matthew Case of Long Beach, CA, Regina Case of Frisco, CO, and Travis (Miranda) Youngren of Odebolt, IA; great-grandchildren: Jayden, Jayston, Brady, Wynn and Kal Youngren, Eve and Jett Hustedt, Harlow and Elowyn Youngren; daughters-in-law Nancy Youngren  and Linda Youngren both of Odebolt, IA; and extended family and friends.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Minnie Kessler; sons Robert Youngren and Gerald “Jerry” Youngren; brothers Raymond Kessler, Robert Kessler (in infancy); parents-in-law Paul and Clara Youngren; and other beloved family members.