Luella Ruth Bleichwehl, June 11, 1909 – Jan. 27, 2006.

Luella was born in Milwaukee, Wis., to Susan and Oscar Kaeppler. She graduated from eighth grade in 1923 and then attended Wisconsin Commercial Academy for one year. She worked at various stenographic and bookkeeping jobs before marrying Walter Bleichwehl on Oct. 12, 1929.

Due to employment they moved many times in Wisconsin and New York. After moving to Albert Lea, in 1950, Luella and Walter were very active in their community. They were members of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Albert Lea. Luella served as First and Second Reader, clerk, and treasurer. She was a long time member of Travel Class and belonged to the Halcyon Chapter Eastern Star until 2002. Her monthly bridge club, organized through New Residents’ Club, was active from 1950 to 2000. She was also an active participant in the Senior Citizen’s Bridge marathons. Membership in the YMCA provided her with the opportunity to enjoy swimming. Playing cards and games of all kinds was her passion. She also enjoyed cooking and baking and sharing the results.

Members of Luella’s family were recipients of her beautiful handicrafts which included knitting, crocheting and quilting. She participated in the Freeborn County Fair winning many ribbons.

Following Walter’s death in 1966, Luella and her cousin, Clarinda Ahlf, enjoyed extensive traveling. In 1980 she fulfilled a personal goal of taking classes and earning her GED. After selling her home she lived in an apartment at Thornecrest Retirement Center in Albert Lea for thirteen years. In 2001 she moved to the Northfield Retirement Center. Luella moved to Rosewood Estates, an assisted living residence in St. Paul in September 2004. She passed away peacefully on Jan. 27, 2006.

Luella was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Gordon, and her husband. She is survived by daughters, Lois Ross and husband, Lyle, of St. Paul, Edythe Peterson and husband, Orville, of Northfield, Minn., ten grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren.

A private family memorial service was held Feb. 19, 2006, at the Old Trondhjem Church, Lonsdale, Minn.