Ruth Anne Brendemuhl, 73, of Valparaiso formerly of Riverside, Illinois passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 3, 2026. She was born September 2, 1952, in Chicago to William & Ruth (Koenig) Lusthoff and graduated from Walther Lutheran High School. She received a bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University in 1974 and her Juris Doctorate from Valparaiso Law School in 1977. Ruth made her professional career as a Partner at Boeger, Heerwagen & Brendemuhl law firm in Westchester, Illinois with her husband. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Valparaiso and had been active on multiple charitable boards over the decades which may be attributed to her strong Christian faith. Ruth was an avid reader and especially enjoyed mystery novels. She also enjoyed creating lifetime memories at the family summer home on Bass Lake in Michigan.
On October 8, 1977, she married James L. Brendemuhl who preceded her in death in 2015. Survivors include her children: Laura (Ben) Witte of Valparaiso, James (Erin) Brendemuhl of Mount Prospect, Illinois, grandchildren: Cecelia & William Brendemuhl & Eliana Witte, and one brother, Craig (Alice) Lusthoff of Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A visitation will be held Saturday, August 8th from 9:30 – 11 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1700 Monticello Park Dr., Valparaiso with funeral service beginning at 11:00 am and burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Walther Christian Academy in Melrose Park, Illinois or Immanuel Lutheran Church.
GUESTBOOK
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. So sorry for your loss, -Kathryn Herniman
My most sincere condolences to the entire family, may your memories bring you comfort at this time of loss. I will miss our conversations, laughing about life and her wonderful smile -- Ruth Anne will certainly be missed. -Peggy Gilbert-Ulrich
