Alice (Brenner) Ruhland

Alice (Brenner) Ruhland, age 72, of Hilbert, died unexpectedly on Wednesday May 10th. Alice was born August 22nd, 1950 in Fond du Lac, the daughter of Dorothy (Kolbe) Brenner and the late Rudolph “Rudy” Brenner. Alice married the love of her life, Don Ruhland, on October 30, 1971 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Kloten.  

After graduating from Chilton High School in 1968, Alice briefly attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point before returning to Kloten and the Hilbert/Chilton area. Alice worked various jobs until she met Don and upon their marriage became a proud, full time farm wife. Alice spent many years helping her husband, along with his brothers and their families, build Maple Grove Dairy into a successful enterprise. With timely advice and an ever growing knowledge of the business of farming, she advanced the farm with more influence than she would take credit for. 

Alice and Don raised four children next to her sister and brother-in-law’s family on the Ruhland family farm. Alice was often found at home where one of her greatest talents was her readiness for anything that came up, including making a last minute roast beef supper for 20 look effortless. Despite the busy schedule, Alice still led the effort for the Ruhland family to host four foreign exchange students, whom she kept in touch with even today. After her children were off to lives of their own, Alice went to work at Piggly Wiggly in Kaukauna where she made many friends. Alice volunteered regularly to help children become better readers by volunteering at Chilton Elementary and at Sunrise Elementary School in Kimberly.

Alice’s greatest joy was her family, especially being involved in every facet of her grandchildren’s lives. Her love of family included both blood relation and anyone her husband could convince to sit down for a meal. Alice loved moments spent around kitchen tables. She spent many days around her own and those of her family and friends sharing memories, stories and laughs. It was here Alice connected with everyone and was able to put her passion to help others in full effect. Those who sat with her enjoyed her most beloved recipes including roast beef, pizza burgers, caramel bars, casseroles and all of the special treats she kept overstocked in her cupboards. After meals, and really anytime, Alice would say “lets play a game” and would downplay how impressive she was at playing many various dice and card games.  

Following Don’s passing, Alice cherished the love and support of family and friends. She enjoyed many moments with Pat & Leon and shopping trips and movies with her beloved friend, Vicki Shafran.

Alice had a strong personal conviction and connection with her faith that was second only to her deep devotion to her beloved husband “Donny”. In the years to come, Alice will forever be a role model for her children, grandchildren, and someday great grandchildren who will know that wherever they are Alice will be proud of them from heaven. 

Alice is survived by her children: Dan Ruhland and his partner, Larry Srebrenick; Chad (Allison) Ruhland; Michele (Shawn) Rude, & Maria (Joe) Halbach; foreign exchange children: Mikel, Claudia, Stephane, and Attila. From heaven, Alice, now with Don, will continue to follow the accomplishments of their 10 grandchildren: Amber, Lukas, Zach, Ryan, Ashton, Abby, Jameson, Isaac, Caleb and Thais as they navigate life with them as ever present influences into what hard work and dedication can bring to a fulfilling life.

Alice is also survived by her mother Dorothy Brenner and her siblings John (Arlene) Brenner, Patricia (Leon) Ruhland and Karen (Joe) Schoenborn. She is further survived by her in-laws: Paul (Diane) Ruhland, Donna Jensen, Ruth (John) Moses, Barb (Bob) LeCaire. Alice will also be watching over the many nieces, nephews, grand-animals, other relatives and friends she has watched grow up and helped with over the years.

Alice was preceded in death by her beloved Donald Ruhland; her father Rudolph (Rudy) Brenner; Don’s parents: Isadore and Anita Ruhland; brother-in-law: Joe Ruhland; and sisters-in-law: Rosie (Howie) Fochs, Karen Ruhland, and Dianne Ruhland.  

Funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton. Burial will be in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Hilbert. Friends may call at the Wieting Family Funeral Home from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Monday, May 15, 2023, and on Tuesday at the funeral home from 9:00 am until 10:45 am. Those wishing to watch a livestream or archived recording of the service, watch a memorial video or see flowers and gifts given to the family may do so by clicking HERE.