Florence R Ruhland

Ruhland, Florence R. December 28, 1925 - August 27, 2014 Florence Ruhland, age 88, died Wednesday, August 27, 2014, at Regions Hospital. Known as "Aunt Floss" to family and "Flossie" to friends, Florence was an extraordinary woman of faith, a dedicated nursing professional, and a loving aunt and friend who occupied a special place in the hearts of all who knew her. Florence was born in 1925 in St. Cloud to Michael and Marie Ruhland. After earning her nursing degree in 1950 and her Master of Education in 1959, she spent nearly 40 years of her life teaching nursing students, first at the Sisters of St. Joseph School of Nursing in North Dakota and Northwestern Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis, then as a professor at the College of St. Catherine and the University of Minnesota. During the course of her career, she pursued a special interest in diabetes education, serving on many committees and taking leadership positions at state, national and international levels, as well as publishing various articles in professional journals. But her true passion rested in her students, who returned her affection and respect in equal measure. In retirement, she continued to help and inspire nursing students when she chaired the U of M School of Nursing Foundation's annual jewelry sales, which have netted tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships. Florence also served in the U.S. Army Reserve Nurse Corps from 1954-1981, earning the rank of colonel and Army Medals of Commendation for nursing education and administration. In 1991, Gov. Arne Carlson declared June 5 "Florence Ruhland Day" in Minnesota to honor her many contributions to nursing, the Army Reserve and diabetes education. A long-time parishioner at the Church of St. Charles Borromeo, Florence was devoted to her Catholic faith and served in several ministries, led prayer groups, helped found the Curatio Apostolate for Catholic Health Care Workers, and regularly attended Perpetual Adoration. Truly, she regarded all her work as ministry, and she supported many family and pro-life causes. Florence is survived by her sister, Mikki Gottwalt of New Brighton, sister-in-law Elaine Ruhland of Roseville, and nieces and nephews: Ann Newlander (Bob), Claudia Anderson (Bill), Barbara Cant (Bill), Thomas Ruhland (Kadee), Jerry Ruhland (Mary), Mike Ruhland (Kathy), Meg Benasutti (Larry), Jane Creger (Scott), Joe Ruhland (Sharon), John Ruhland (Kelly), Bob Ruhland (Carmen), Steve Gottwalt (Paula), Chris Gottwalt (Heidi), T.J. Gottwalt (Margie), Dave Gottwalt (Irene) and Mark Gottwalt (Nora). She was preceded in death by her parents Michael and Marie, and brothers Mel and Don. Special thanks to the staff at The Legacy who worked tirelessly to welcome Florence to her last home on earth. Memorials preferred to the Church of St. Charles Borromeo, the U of M School of Nursing Foundation's Scholarship Fund and the Cradle of Hope Motherhood Fund. Visitation will be Monday, September 1, from 4-8 p.m. at the Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapel in Columbia Heights with parish Rosary at 7 p.m. Visitation will also occur one hour prior to the Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Florence's life on Tuesday, September 2, 2014, at 11 a.m., at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 2420 St. Anthony Blvd., St. Anthony, MN 55418.

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Florence R Ruhland

August 27, 2014

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