Ruth Eleanor “Butchie” Meidam, age 87 of Shawano, passed away peacefully Friday, May 04, 2012 with her family by her side. Born on March 21, 1925 in Shawano, she was the daughter of the late Grover W. and Eleanor (Kaempf) Beversdorf. After graduating from Shawano High School, Ruth furthered her education at the Bellin College of Nursing. She also became a member of the Cadet Nursing Corp during World War II. On August 28, 1948 she was united in marriage to Theodore M. Meidam at the St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano. Theodore preceded her in death on July 8, 1998. Ruth worked as a Registered Nurse at the Shawano Hospital and at Pine Manor Health Care Facility in Embarrass. She was a member of the St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano where she actively volunteered and participated in Bible studies, the Orphan Grain Train Project and the monthly bulletin preparation. Ruth enjoyed swimming, gardening, fishing, doing embroidery, going to rummage sales, and loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was also a talented cook who made “awesome” applesauce, “amazing” dill pickles, and the best “Beversdorf Potato Salad.” Ruth is survived by her children, Ann (Peter) Kahler of Shawano, Mike (Kelly) Meidam of Clintonville, Jim (Linda) Meidam of Clintonville, Margie Anderson of Shawano, Joe (Cyndi) Meidam of Shawano, Barb Gray of Shawano, Rainee (Darold) Raasch of Gresham, Kathy (Eric) Jensen of Shawano and Matt Meidam of Green Bay. Ruth was blessed with 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Ruth is further survived by: 2 sisters, Ione Schultz of Shawano, Doris (Dan) Reinheimer of NC; and a sister-in-law, Barbara Beversdorf of Shawano. Ruth was preceded in death by: her husband, Theodore; her parents; a brother, Daniel Beversdorf; and 4 sisters, Evelyn (Orie) Meyer, Lorraine (Jim) Brunner, Barbara (Jim) Schroeder and Margie (Frank) Norris. Funeral services were held at 11:00am on Monday, May 7, 2012 at the St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano with the Rev. Ronald Raddatz officiating. Inurnment will be in the Friendship Cemetery in the Town of Belle Plaine. Visitation was held at the church on Monday after 9:30am until the time of the service. Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano is assisting the family with the arrangements. www.swedbergfuneralhom.ecom