Ruth Navratil

Ruth Kathleen Navratil was born on July 2nd, 1943 to Louis Navratil and Barbara (Zeithamer) Navratil.  She was one of eight children and raised on the family farm in Alexandria.  Ruth graduated from Jefferson High School in Alexandria and spent time in California with her then husband, Maynard Gulbranson, as a military family.  They moved back to Minnesota and raised their family on Lake Andrew in the Alexandria area.

Ruth worked at different jobs throughout her life – all of which had one thing in common.  Whether it was in the job description or not, she would find herself in the kitchen baking and cooking for a portion of her work day!  No matter where she was or what she was doing for work, she always found her way to the kitchen to share her love of cooking and baking with those around her.

Ruth’s love of baking and cooking for her friends and family was what made her truly happy.  If she could teach you how to do it also, she was proud as could be.  From Christmas Cookies, Pork Chop Chili, Egg Rolls, Caramel Rolls - to the best Fried Green Tomatoes ever – she had a passion for them all.  Her family will have traditions to carry on, with their own favorite recipes they learned over the years.  Each will be referred to with love, as Mom’s best, Grandma’s favorite, Sisters go to – or Auntie’s classic!

Ruth enjoyed playing different sports throughout her life and enjoyed fishing with family, playing softball, golfing, bowling and really enjoyed playing cards with family and friends.  She enjoyed making memories and was often very entertaining when things were not going “quite right” for her – I am sure we all have a memory or two that we laugh at when we think about time spent together.  Gardening may have been the biggest “sport she played” and she built a good team along the way.  Everyone learned from the best and will carry on that tradition.   It was her favorite past time above and beyond her sports.  Gardening first, play second!

Ruth is survived by her Children;  Brent Gulbranson, Steve Gulbranson, Deborah Gulbranson, and Chad Gulbranson. Grandchildren;  Briana Gulbranson, Kayla Gulbranson, Jordan Gulbranson, Connor Gulbranson, and Aidan Gulbranson.  Siblings; Joanne (Wayne) Fearing, Tom Navratil, Carol Leaunart and Norman (Fran)Navratil.  Sister-in-laws; Nancy (Harvey) Navratil and Wanda (James) Navratil.  She was preceeded in death by her Parents; Louis Navratil, Barbara (Zeithamer) Navratil, Step-Mother Ella Navratil.  Brothers; Harvey Navratil, James Navratil, and Sister; Marlene (Bill) Lund.

Ruth went with the Angels on September 25th, 2022 and will be remembered with smiles through tears.  The years she was in our lives will leave us with memories to cherish and stories to share with our loved ones.   Her life was never about her trials or struggles as she lived with love in her heart and peace in her soul.  God Bless her until we meet again.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 3, 2022, at Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis, MN. Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Sunday, October 2, 2022, at Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis, MN. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date at Lake Mary Cemetery in Lake Mary Township, MN.