Lindemann receives Athena Award

Feted for her

dedication to teaching art

By KURT NESBITT

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Ruth Lindemann was of few words other than to thank her family as she received the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce's annual Athena Award Thursday night.

Lindemann was feted for her dedication to teaching art and encouraging her students as well as her long career as a nurse.

Lindemann is the 15th woman to receive the award, which the chamber first gave in 1991 to celebrate women who excel in their chosen field and inspire others. The award was presented at the chamber's annual meeting at the New Ulm Holiday Inn.

Daughter Joan Glasper said that she once took her mother's achievements as a nurse and an art teacher for granted, being a mother herself has taught her to look back on what Lindemann did with appreciation. It was Ruth who taught her to paint and draw, Glasper said

Paul Dittmer, director of nursing at Oak Hills Assisted Living Center, remembered the times Ruth Lindemann came into his office and said "Paul, I'm too old for this. I'd like to go on casual status." But soon afterward, Dittmer found himself calling Lindemann to ask her if she would come back to work and Lindemann agreed. The two found themselves repeating that scenario two more times.

"And guess who's back working at Oak Hills?!," Dittmer said. "As a nurse, Ruth is a dedicated, sweet person. She's great with residents and a staff advocate."

Laurie Kunerth said she and a few others decided to nominate Lindemann for the Athena Award because of her work as a volunteer and her dedication to teaching art, noting that Lindemann has studied art at Mankato State University, the University of Minnesota Morris, University of Minnesota Duluth, taught for the Rural Artist's Associations and was a member of the Southwestern Minnesota Arts and Humanities Council. She also taught ceramics to Boy and Girl Scouts and New Ulm Area Catholic Schools.

Daughter Jamie Seibl remembered being with her mother when the Parks and Recreation arts program started. But most importantly, Seibl thanked her mother for being willing to put on her clothes and drive out to Rochester and listen to her concerns about her husband's cancer regardless of what time it was.

Husband Paul Lindemann said his wife is "a great companion and a wonderful wife" who devoted much time to her passions and enjoys keeping busy.

Finally, when Ruth Lindemann spoke, she thanked her family and specifically showed gratitude for her mother.

"She taught us the things that are most valuable," Lindemann said. "Have respect for all people and a love of all the arts."

Earlier in the evening, the Chamber of Commerce recognized retiring committee chairs, lifetime members, retiring chair Tim Knaak and held a fundraising auction.