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brirene's avatar
brirene
Explorer
Jun 09, 2014

RIP Ruth Ziolkowski

From today's Chicago Tribune:

"Ruth Ziolkowski, 87, wife of sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski who kept on track his mountainside project memorializing Native American warrior Crazy Horse; May 21, in Rapid City, S. D., of cancer."

Mrs. Ziolkowski, along with several of her children, continued to work on her husband's vision since his death in 1982. A part of living American history passes.

3 Replies

  • Sorry to hear about her passing. Hopefully the legacy will live on and the work continue. When we were at the Crazy Horse Monument I was in awe that a private venture could take on such a task. Leaving our donation behind made us feel good.
  • I was privileged to meet her on my last visit. Her hubby was also the sculptor on Mt. Rushmore, but Crazy Horse is privately owned. It was paid for and continues to be supported by admissions, most of which is spent for college tuition for Native Americans in the area. Last time, I took the van trip to the top and was lucky to be the only one going up, so the van driver let me spend the time to take all the pictures I wanted. Probably not a good ride if you 're afraid of heights, but what a view!
    There are LOTS of children. I'm sure they will continue the work.
  • Sad to hear this. I hope the rest of the family continues the good work despite her loss.

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