Ruth Ann (Salonek) Rolfzen formerly Berthiaume

Ruth Ann Rolfzen (Salonek) formerly Berthiaume, age 77, of Menahga, MN, passed away unexpectedly Feb. 24, 2025, at the Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND. 

Ruth Ann was born in Watertown, MN, to Harold and Caroline (Otten) Salonek on Dec. 1, 1947, and was a devoted Catholic. She married Raymond F. Berthiaume, Jr., on Dec. 21,1964, in Wright County and they resided in Waverly, MN. During their time in Waverly, they were blessed with 4 children, Barry, Steven, Tamara, and Rebecca. In the summer of 1977, the family moved to Park Rapids, MN, where they purchased a farm and operated a dairy, beef, and hog farm named R&R Farms. They were blessed with 3 more children Andrew, Sarah, and Adam. Ruth Ann held employment in Park Rapids at Big John’s Pizza, and Antlers Restaurant where she was known for her huge cinnamon rolls as well as other various roles until the passing of Raymond (Sonny) in 1995. 

 Ruth Ann then moved to Buffalo, MN, where she proudly received her High School diploma. She went on and attended North Hennepin Technical Community College and received her Degree in Office Management along with earning Phi Theta Kappa. She accomplished this while maintaining employment with Lawn King in Corcoran, MN, as Executive Assistant for over 20 years. During this time, she met her best friend Lowell Norbert Rolfzen, and they were married July 19, 1997. He blended his two children Tanya and Trent with the family. Ruth Ann transitioned to Pioneer Park in Annandale, MN, as Office Coordinator until her retirement. She also enjoyed working at Cub Foods in Buffalo, MN, as a Deli Associate. 

 In 2022, Ruth & Lowell moved to their family farm in Menahga, MN. During this time, she was employed in Park Rapids at Hugo’s in the bakery up until her passing. Ruth Ann had a lifelong passion of crocheting and embroidery for friends, family, and the community under the name Creations by Ruth. She displayed and sold her work at craft sales with Lowell by her side. 

 Ruth Ann is survived by her husband Lowell; children: Barry (Michelle) Berthiaume of Pine River, MN, Steven (Betty) Berthiaume of Park Rapids, MN, Tamara (Robert) Stevenson of Jordan, MN, Rebecca (Skip) Johnson of Waverly, MN, Andrew (Kelly) Berthiaume of Clear Lake, MN, Sarah (Andy) Grotte of Mayer, MN, Tanya (David) Draxten of Hutchinson, MN, and Trent Rolfzen of St. Paul, MN; siblings: Kenneth (Judy) Salonek of Huntersville, Mn, Kathy (Ed) Walker of Buffalo, MN, Bill (Robyn) Salonek of Hurley, WI, Larry (Jennifer) Salonek of Montrose, MN; 40 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Raymond Berthiaume, Jr.; son, Adam; brother, Jerry; one infant brother; and great-granddaughter, Haven. 

 Gathering will be held at Cardini Funeral Home in Menahga, MN on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm for family and friends in Ruth Ann’s Honor. 

An additional service will be held at the Montrose Community Center in Montrose, Minnesota on Saturday March 29th, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.