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Obituary: Ruth Dannehl, 92, Professor Emeritus of Nursing

Ruth Proft Dannehl, professor emeritus of nursing at Gustavus Adolphus College, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 21 at the age of 92.

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by

Matt Thomas ’00
Ruth Dannehl (1918-2010)

Ruth Proft Dannehl, professor emeritus of nursing at Gustavus Adolphus College, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 21 at the age of 92.

Dannehl served in the Gustavus Nursing Department in 1965 and from 1967 to 1983. She received her nursing degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., and her master’s of education degree from the University of Minnesota.

Besides teaching at Gustavus, Dannehl spent time working at the Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in St. Louis, the Visiting Nurses’ Association of St. Louis, and as a teacher at the Concordia Lutheran School in Hong Kong. She was a member of the American Nurses Association, the National League for Nursing, and the American Association of University Professors.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24 at St. Stephanus Lutheran Church in St. Paul.

Comments

2 responses to “Obituary: Ruth Dannehl, 92, Professor Emeritus of Nursing”

  1. Mark Sallmen Avatar
    Mark Sallmen

    She was a wonderful professor whom I respected very much. She was always very kind and supportive and always had a beautiful smile for everyone. I learned so very much from her which proved to be so beneficial when I was in nursing. I still smile when I remember how she would take off her nursing cap, fold it and then place it in her notebook.

    Thank you Mrs Dannehl for your Christian witness and love!

    Reply
  2. Dorcas Pederson Balcer Avatar
    Dorcas Pederson Balcer

    I’m saddened to hear of the death of Ruth Proft Dennehl, a cousin of my mom’s. What a career she had! We, as kids, were very impressed to hear about Ruth’s experiences as a missionary to China. It sounds like she had a second illustrious career as professor of nursing and I can only surmise that she was inspirational. She lives on in the memories of those whose lives she touched.

    Reply

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