Ruth Claire Andersen

Ruth Andersen passed away peacefully in her home at Palm Springs, California on June 28, 2026, aged 96. Born Ruth Claire Prem, to Dominic and Wilhelmina Prem, on May 13, 1930 in Omaha, Nebraska, she attended Cross Lutheran School and Omaha South High School, where she met her future husband, Ira Jesse Andersen. Married in 1949 in Omaha, life took them to Lincoln NE, Iowa City IA, and finally to retirement in Palm Springs CA, together until Ira’s passing in 2019.

Ruth was a homemaker, raising her three children with thoughtfulness and care. She was a skillful seamstress, an adept cook and baker, also a wonderful host who enjoyed entertaining friends and relatives.Ruth was a devout Christian, a devoted communicant of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. She was a long time member of the Lions Club. For recreation, she pursued both golf and tennis. She was a fine bowler, and loved to play bridge. Ruth and Ira enthusiastically attended many University of Iowa football and basketball games. They, along with their children and friends, enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S., with the occasional trip to Europe.

Ruth is survived by her children Martin (Christina), Michael (Rosanne), and Ingrid Wulf (David); grandchildren Jessica Mego (Will), Ian Wulf, and Sean Wulf (Peyton); and great-grandchildren Archer and Avery Wulf. She was predeceased by Ira, and brothers Donald and Walter.

She will be missed by many; but, as she expressed it, has gone to be with her Lord.

A memorial service at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Palm Springs, California is being planned for a later date. Ruth’s earthly resting place will be at Memory Gardens in Iowa City, alongside Ira.