A memorial gathering for Ruth Schnorenberg, age 86, formerly of Austin, will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home.

Ruth died Monday, Aug. 2, 2004, at St. John’s Lutheran Home.

Ruth Schnorenberg was born Jan. 26, 1918, to Otto H. and Caroline (Marquardt) Fritze in Faribault, She grew up in Owatonna and graduated from Owatonna High School, On Sept. 3, 1962, Ruth was united in marriage to Robert Schnorenberg. She had lived most of her life in Austin and was a member of the St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Ruth loved her pet poodles, reading, and volunteering at her Church.

Survivors include her brothers: Bob Fritze of Owatonna, and Leonard Fritze and his wife Nancy of Minneapolis; sister-in-law, Arlene Schnorenberg; brother-in-law, Walter Butler; niece, Jody Nechanicky and her husband David of Albert Lea; special friend and “Lifesaver,” Gwen Delger; and other nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; sisters: Frieda Holta and Dorothy Gillespie; brother, Carl Fritze; sister-in-law, Evelyn Butler; and brother-in-law, Melvin Schnorenberg.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Austin Sheriff’s Youth Ranch.