Ruth Wise

Ruth Wise, 94, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Sunday, September 1, 2024, at Atlantic Specialty Care.

Ruth Alice was born on December 16, 1929, in Omaha, Nebraska, the daughter of Warner and Helen (Lealander - Sjolander) Almquist. She graduated from South High School in Omaha and continued living in that area.

On October 14, 1949, she was united in marriage to John Wise at the South Omaha United Presbyterian Church. As a couple, they were always active in church, and sang in church choirs for nearly 60 years. While John was serving in the Marines from 1952 - 1954 they helped start a church in North Carolina. After John’s time in the service, they returned to Omaha and lived there until moving to Atlantic in 1965, to open a tiling business. 

She was employed as a secretary for several different businesses throughout the years and also worked for her husband, John who owned and operated Atlantic Tile and Marble for 30 years. In 1982, they started John Wise and Associates Real Estate and she joined in on that venture for 25 years until they merged with Century 21 Realty in 2007, and both retired.

Ruth was a long-time member of Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic. In her quiet time, she loved doing crossword puzzles and writing letters, particularly those of encouragement to others.

Ruth is survived by her precious family, including her daughter, Jane Perdue of Omaha, Nebraska; 5 grandchildren, Andrew (Inga) Perdue of Lithuania, Hannah (Justin Neal) Perdue, Ian Perdue and Neve Perdue all of Omaha, Nebraska; and great-grandson, Max Neal of Omaha, Nebraska.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Wise and son, John Wise.

Ruth decided years ago to donate her body for research at the University of Iowa.

A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 5th at Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic. A time of fellowship and refreshments will be held immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Ruth’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at the Roland website at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.