Ruth Koschorreck, 88, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2023. A private interment was held on Friday, November 17, at the Ames Municipal Cemetery.

Ruth Anna Emma (Grossmann) Koschorreck was born on May 21, 1935 in Germany to Erich and Lucia (Maihold) Grossmann. It was a dark time for the entire family, witnessing the horrors of WWII and being displaced from house to house, taking only with them what they could carry. The city of Berlin eventually became their home, and years later, Ruth trained to become a seamstress. She later met her future husband, Kurt Koschorreck while working as a secretary and bookkeeper. They immigrated to the United States in November 1958 and settled in Ames, Iowa. Ruth learned a new language and culture, and in time, became a U.S. citizen. She started working for Iowa State University in 1971 at Food Science & Human Nutrition as an animal caretaker. Between 1982 and 1987, Ruth studied to become an animal care technician and then became certified as an animal care technologist.

Outside of work, Ruth enjoyed reading, needlework and gardening at her home in Gilbert. Through her love of animals, she became involved with the Ames Animal Shelter.

Those left to cherish her memory are: two children, Christine Brinkmeyer (Chris), Gabriele Wilbourn; three grandchildren, Lindsey Wilbourn, Ethan Wilbourn, Noah Brinkmeyer; two great-grandchildren, Bailey Wilbourn, Eleanor Brands; one sister, Gerda Boche, one brother, Hans-Jurgen Grossmann. Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, Erich and Lucia Grossmann.

Ruth truly had the most kind and generous spirit, and above all, always put her family first. Her loved ones will honor her by trying to follow her example in faith and character. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution in Ruth's name can be made to The Ames Animal Shelter or The Animal Rescue League of Des Moines, Iowa. Online condolences can be made to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com