Ruth Stryzewski, Wisconsin’s oldest living person, dies at 112

The Gerontology Research Group (GRG) is saddened to report that Mrs. Ruth Stryzewski of Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin, USA, the oldest living person in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, and the sixth-oldest living person in the USA passed away on 29 November 2024, at the age of 112 years, 283 days.

Ruth Stryzewski was born as Ruth Esther Winter on a farm in Bloomfield, Waushara County, Wisconsin, USA on 20 February 1912. Her parents were Louis Winter and Marie (née Prellwitz) Winter.

Her journey began in a family touched by longevity, with her mother, sister, and other siblings embracing the gift of time. Her mother died at 96, her sister Marie Misterek lived to be 103, two other siblings lived into their 90’s, and her paternal cousin Lydia Koehler lived to be 100. In 1937, she married Elmer Stryzewski in East Bloomfield, Wisconsin, marking the start of a beautiful chapter.

Ruth’s family expanded to include eight siblings and two foster siblings, creating a tapestry of love and connection. Her commitment to family and enduring spirit shines brightly, mirroring the longevity that has graced her lineage.

In the challenging landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ruth faced the virus at the age of 108. She was forced to isolate for several weeks. However, her symptoms were not severe enough to require hospitalisations, and by January 2021 she had successfully recovered. Her resilience and strength prevailed, and she emerged as one of the oldest survivors of the disease, a testament to her indomitable spirit.

On 20 February 2022, she celebrated her 110th birthday, becoming a supercentenarian.

Ruth Stryzewski’s age was meticulously examined and verified by Waclaw Jan Kroczek, Oliver Trim, and Robert Young, and validated by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) as of 3 June 2023.