Ruby Irene Aukema, age 89, of Spooner, WI passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. While Ruby’s health had been in decline for several years, she was an inspiration to all who knew her as she remained strong, faithful, and full of life to the end.

Ruby is the daughter of George and Ruth (Cook) Dennis, born on July 15th, 1935 in Spooner; she had been looking forward to celebrating her 90th birthday with family. She graduated from Spooner High School in 1953, alongside her high school sweetheart, Ronald Aukema. Ron and Ruby were married on January 1st, 1954 at the United Methodist Church in Spooner and were married for 67 years, until Ron’s passing in 2021. Shortly after their marriage, Ron and Ruby moved to Minneapolis and eventually settled in Brooklyn Center to raise their family, which included 10 foster children over the years.

Ruby was a lifetime learner, and while still a mother to young children she went back to school to earn her LPN license. Those were busy years, and she demonstrated a strong work ethic while effectively balancing the needs of her family as she worked at Metropolitan Medical Center as a visiting nurse. This was a perfect fit for her caregiving personality and her gift for making people feel seen and heard. She was undoubtedly a source of comfort to her patients.

In retirement, Ruby and Ron moved from Brooklyn Center back to their hometown of Spooner where they were reunited with their community and many friends. They made their home at ‘the cabin’ on Island Lake and became ‘snowbirds’ during the winter months. They enjoyed their time in Naples, FL, and Ruby was known for giving out doggie treats to any dogwalker going past, which naturally led to conversation and friendship. Her competitive side was unexpectedly witnessed as she became a champion shuffle boarder! In 2002, they built their home in Spooner and became ‘townies’ though continued to winter in FL for many more years.

As their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren recently celebrated the Fourth of July at what remains ‘the cabin’ on Island Lake, Ron and Ruby’s legacy was strongly present. Their loving influence on the lives of their family was apparent in the laughter of ‘the littles’ as they splashed in the lake, in the crackling of the campfire while roasting marshmallows, and in the beautiful sounds and colors of fireworks. Ruby was physically missing this year, but was so abundantly present in spirit.

Ruby is survived by her three children, Scott Aukema of Spooner, WI; Teresa (Craig) Gutoske of Prior Lake, MN; Tamara (John) Lukas of Cape Coral, FL. Eight beloved grandchildren; 15 adored great grandchildren; one sister, Charlotte (Don) Jensen; brother-in-law Stan Aukema; sisters-in law Terri Baker, Marty Dennis, and Murtice Aukema; and many treasured nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Ron; brother Cliff Dennis; sisters Ruth Dennis and Shirley Berglin.

A memorial service celebrating Ruby’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 17th, 2025 at the United Methodist Church in Spooner with a time of gathering one hour preceding. Interment will be in the Spooner Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the United Methodist Church in Spooner 312 Elm St., Spooner, WI 54801.

Last Update: Jul 14, 2025 7:13 am CDT