Ruth Schillerstrom Hoglund

Ruth's Funeral Service can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/805988052

Ruth's Tribute Video may be viewed here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/JK92ZX9BRTDH3N5Q

Ruth was born in Moorhead, MN, to Ivar and Millie (Erickson) Schillerstrom on May 8, 1925, and died on March 3, 2023.

Ruth attended MSTC Campus School in Moorhead from Kindergarten through Grade 12, graduating as the Salutatorian. She continued her education across campus at MSTC and received a BS in Music and Science and a Master's Degree in Special Education. She also received certification from the University of Minnesota to teach the blind in the public school setting. Ruth received many awards and honors during her teaching career. In 1975 she was among the first 25 to receive the MSTC Distinguished Alumni Award. Now there are over 300 members. In 1976 Ruth was recognized as Fargo Teacher of the Year and subsequently North Dakota Teacher of the Year. In 1977 Ruth was honored as YWCA Woman of the Year in Education. The Fargo Public Schools implemented a resource program for the blind in the public school setting in 1959. Ruth was in charge of this program for 28 years, working with assistance from the Minnesota Communication Center For the Blind. In this program, Ruth also worked with many Minnesota students. She proudly recalled that most of these students went on to further education, including three doctorates, two pastors, a judge, etc. Several of her students have continued to visit her over the years. The Fargo program became internationally known and provided Ruth the opportunity to teach in Kalundborg, Denmark, and the Sorbonne University in Paris, France, University of Minnesota, and University of North Dakota.

In addition to teaching, Ruth loved music and taught piano lessons to blind and sighted children. She played piano and organ and was a vocalist. Ruth accompanied many musical groups on the piano and organ. She also sang in several musical groups.

In 1947, Ruth married Philip Hoglund, and they went on to have three sons. Ruth and Philip were always very generous with their friends and family, helping out when they could. Their sons have many fond memories of the vacations the family enjoyed every summer when they were growing up. They are very grateful for the example and love their parents provided and are very proud of their accomplishments. Philip and Ruth joined Messiah Lutheran Church in 1955. Their church family and their faith were very important to them.

Ruth is survived by her sons, Tom (Jackie) Hoglund, Stanley Hoglund; 15 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Philip; her son, Alan Hoglund; granddaughter, Casidy; her parents; her sister, Lael; and three brothers, Duane, Stanley, and James.

Memorials may be sent to MSUM School of Performing Arts at 1104 7th Ave S., Moorhead, MN 56560.