Ruth Brelje

Ruth Ann Stockman was born July 25, 1933, in Plato, MN, the daughter of Alfred and Anne (Olson) Stockman. She was raised on the family farm near Plato and attended high school at Glencoe, MN where she graduated.

On November 2, 1952, Ruth was joined in marriage to Herbert Brelje in Plato at St Paul’s United Church of Christ. The couple made their home on the Brelje family farm near Glencoe. They were blessed with four children.

In addition to raising her family, Ruth worked alongside Herbert completing farm chores and field work. Herbert enjoyed fishing in the Alexandria area. In 1977, he and Ruth moved to Alexandria and purchased the Lake Andrew Resort. They owned and operated the resort for about fifteen years before selling it and moving into Alexandria. Following Herbert’s sudden death after the sale of the resort, Ruth lived in Alexandria. Ruth was a small-town person at heart; she moved to Parkers Prairie in the mid 2000’s because she liked the size of the town. She has lived at St. William’s Assisted Living for the last seven years.

Ruth enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening. She also enjoyed canning her produce. Ruth spent time doing cross-stitch, crocheting, sewing and quilting. In her earlier days she participated in league bowling. Ruth loved playing cards and getting together with friends for a card party.

Ruth was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Glencoe and, later, a member at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria.

Family was Ruth’s number one source of joy in her life. She was proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved spending time with them. Spending time with her brothers and sister was always fun for her.

On Monday, February 3, 2020, Ruth died at the age of eighty-six years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Brelje; and two brothers, Orlin and Richard Stockman. Ruth is survived by her four children, Judy Flemming and husband, Dale, of Alexandria, Randy Brelje of Detroit Lakes, MN, Thomas Brelje of Smithville, TN and Becky Olson and husband, Nels, of Parkers Prairie, MN; grandchildren, Chris Flemming, Jen Lamb, Laurie Ratajesak, Nathan Brelje, Ryan Brelje, Riley Brelje, Sean Brelje, Andrew Brelje, Shelly Kern and Bobby Olson; great grandchildren, Jackie, Jordyn, Justin, Emma, Grayson, Sawyer, Angela, Sophia, Chelsea, Koley, Addison, Macie, Mollie, Thomas, Will and Anna; brothers, Loren Stockman and wife, Barb, Howard Stockman and wife, Mavis, and Harris Stockman; and one sister, Donna Schmidt; and special friend, Willis Nordlund.

A funeral service will be held at 2:30 PM Saturday, February 8, 2020, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Reverend Dennis Angland will officiate. Interment will follow in the Kinkead Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:30 to 2:30 PM Saturday at the church.