Ruth D. Pafko

Ruth D. Pafko (nee, Gabrik) age 92 of Richfield, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2020. Ruth was born to Slovak parents, John and Mary Gabrik. She grew up on the Bohemian Flats with 8 brothers and 2 sisters, to a very proud and hardworking family.

Ruth found the love of her life, Ed Pafko in the late 1940s, taught him how to dance, and then married him. They were married for 64 years, before his passing 7 years ago. Ruth and Ed, together as a team, accomplished so much in all aspects of their lives-and thank goodness, shared their talents and energy with all of us in a very giving and caring way. Since 1990, Ruth and Ed volunteered at Richfield Community Center’s senior dining room, organizing food requirements, managing attendance rosters, being hosts and entertaining the group with stories, jokes, music, and always leading the group in daily prayer.

Ruth worked at Honeywell for 35 years, receiving the prestigious “Orca” award for her “Outstanding Performance, Dedication and Contributions” to the Under Seas System Division. She was one of the first women to become a group leader and managed the Inspection Division areas at the Hopkins Honeywell Facility. Ruth and Ed were long time active members of Holy Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Bloomington, going back to when the Church had its first location on the Bohemian Flats. Ruth is survived by many nieces, nephews and close friends. A private family prayer service will be officiated by Pastor Paul Krentz.