Witczak, Ruth J.Ruth J Witczak, age 100, a resident at Shady Lane Nursing Care Center, Manitowoc, was called home to the Lord on Good Friday, April 14, 2017.She was born on April 12, 1917 in Manitowoc, daughter of the late Joseph and Martha Heinrichs. On March 4, 1935 Ruth married Joseph Witczak at St. Paul Catholic Church, Manitowoc. They spent 64 years together until he preceded her in death on March 12, 1999. Ruth was employed with the S.S. Kresge Company in Manitowoc for a number of years. The couple owned and operated Papa Joe's Tavern, formerly Felix the Cat's Bar, in Manitowoc for many years until their retirement in 1975. In retirment, Ruth and Joe were members of the Manitowoc Senior Citizens group. For many years, Ruth ran the gift shop at the Senior Center and also took care of the ceramic shop at the Senior Center. Her ceramics were beautiful and treasured by who ever received them. In her spare time, she did counted cross stitch. Once again her talent showed through in the beautiful pictures she made. While she was still able, Ruth had one of the finest lawns in the city of Manitowoc. She took great pride in her home, Ruth moved to Laurel Grove and then to Shady Lane in Manitowoc. She enjoyed her time at both facilities and tried to participate in their activities. Ruth had a love for her children and grandchildren. Christmas was her favorite time of the year. Her Christmas brunch was second to none. Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law: Joan and Leonard Boldt, Manitowoc; one son and daughter-in-law: Thomas and Mary Witczak, Appleton; nine grandchildrfen: Randy (Sharon) Boldt, Two Rivers, Ron (Trudy) Boldt, Valders, Chuck (Ellen) Boldt, Jeff (Tina) Boldt, Joe (Gail) Boldt, DePere,Wisconsin; Leonard Jr. "Spark" Boldt, Nancy Boldt and her husband John Hemme, all of Manitowoc, Julie Witczak, Highland Park Illinois, and Jenny (Tony) Maglio, Oconomowoc; 17 great-grandchildren; nine great great grandchildren. She is further survived by two sisters-in-law: Irene Burton, Manitowoc and Harriet Erickson, Milwaukee. Ruth is preceded in death by her husband Joseph "Papa Joe" Witczak; two sisters: Florence Scheuer and Irene Lalko; one brother: Raymond Heinrichs; she is also preceded in death by nine brothers-in-law and nine sisters-in-law. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at St. Francis of Assisi on Marshall (1114 South 21 Street), Manitowoc. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Michael Warden with entombment at Calvary Mausoleum, Manitowoc at a later time. The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Francis of Assisi on Marshall (1114 South 21 Street), Manitowoc on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 from 9:30 AM until 10:45 AM.Expressions of sympathy may be expressed by visiting www.pfefferfuneralhome.comThe family would like to thank the employees at Laurel Grove and Shady Lane for the warm and loving care they provided for Ruth during her time at both facilities. It was a positive experience for her. The hospice team from Holy Family Hospital was very helpful and a true blessing to have during this difficult journey. Pfeffer Funeral Home Manitowoc is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements.