Ruth Kreuzer

Dear Laurentian Community,

I write today to share the sad news that retired professor of Russian Language and Literature Ruth Kreuzer died on February 24 at the age of 83.

Ruth was born on June 10, 1942, in Maywood, Illinois, the daughter of the late Clifford and Ura (Frickey) Hinkle. She graduated from Proviso East High School and earned her bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University. She later completed graduate study at Indiana University and received her Ph.D. from the University of Ottawa. In 1975, she married Jerry Kreuzer on the St. Lawrence University campus, beginning a partnership that would span nearly five decades.

For more than 35 years, Ruth was a dedicated member of the St. Lawrence faculty. As the University’s principal teacher of Russian language and literature during her tenure, she inspired generations of students through her teaching and mentorship. She traveled extensively in Russia—including a memorable journey across Siberia by train—led students on educational trips there, and served as an advisor to Russian students studying on campus. Ruth retired in 2004.

Ruth’s contributions to the University extended well beyond the classroom. She received the 1991 John B. Keene Award for excellence in teaching and was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa that same year. She taught a First-Year Seminar on St. Petersburg and was an early advocate for incorporating technology into teaching. 

Outside the classroom, Ruth brought curiosity and enthusiasm to many pursuits. She loved traveling the world and sharing that perspective with her students. She also delighted in collecting stuffed hedgehogs and enjoyed attending musicals, plays, and dinners with friends. In retirement, she remained active in the community through SOAR, a lifelong learning group in Potsdam, where she participated as an administrator, teacher, and student, and through her involvement with the First Presbyterian Church in Potsdam.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Jerry; her children, Rob (Amy) Kreuzer and Jon Kreuzer; her grandchildren, Logan and Declan Kreuzer; her sister, Marjorie Hinkle; her brothers, Robert (Shirley) Hinkle and Charles Hinkle; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, James Hinkle, and a sister, Carolyn Maciejewski.

Ruth’s dedication to teaching and her deep engagement with the St. Lawrence community left a lasting impression on colleagues and students alike.

Please join us in honoring Ruth’s life by sharing your memories of her on the St. Lawrence University website. You can read the remembrances of others here. 

Sincerely,
Kate Morris