John Ruf
November 17, 2017
Obituary
John Warner Ruf, age 80, of Fayette, WI passed away from a lifetime battling diabetes on Friday, November 17, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born November 1, 1937 in Monroe, WI the son of Warner and Florence (Knouse) Ruf. On April 5, 1958 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Nathalie Hale. They built their home, family, and business in Fayette. He proudly lived his entire life at the corners of County Roads G and F in Fayette Township. Survivors include his wife: Nathalie at home; his children: Richard (Carol) Ruf, William (Jodi) Ruf, Mark (Lisa Paulson) Ruf, John "Duke" (Jody) Ruf, and Deana (Stu) Soper all of Darlington and Fayette area; two sisters: Betty Williams of rural Gratiot, WI and Rosemary Webster of Monroe, WI; 14 grandchildren with very special nicknames: Jadin "Oscar" (Heather) Ruf, Jessica "Pickle" Saalsaa, Brandi "Whiskey" (Dustin Wepking) Ruf, Joey "Kokomo Jo" (Lydia) Ruf, Michael "Buckwheat" Ruf, Jacob "Little Jake" Ruf, Matthew "Chewy" Ruf, John Michael Lee "Ole" Ruf, Ashley "Lena" (Garrett) Debuhr, Kayla "Olga" Ruf, Kari "Maude" (Brad Lamont) Ruf, Christen "Junior" (Kristen Bechtolt) Ruf, Josh "Punky" Soper, and Natty "Blondie" Soper; 11 great-grandchildren; a very special nurse: Janice Ruf; and many friends and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents: Warner and Florence; and one brother: Dicky Ruf. John was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ in Darlington and the Fayette Sportsman's Club. He founded the Tri-County ATVers and Fayette Sno-Goers. He served on many committees including the Darlington Fire Department, Rural Medical, and Tri County Trail Commission. He was also inducted into the Lafayette County Tractor Pullers Hall of Fame. He proudly served as Fayette Town Chairman for nearly 20 years and received the Grassroots Government Leadership Award from the National Association of Towns and Townships in recognition for service to his community. John's true passions included the family business: Ruf's Farm Service; the four-wheeler and snowmobile trails he worked so hard to open, those red Massey Harris tractors, riding around in his truck visiting farmers, trips up North to the cabin, and spending as much time as he possibly could with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His family was his entire life.A funeral service will be held Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at 12:00 P.M. at Immanuel United Church of Christ (339 E. Louisa Street, Darlington) with Rev. Barbara Brakey and Rev. Stephen Stauffacher co-officiating. Burial will be in Fayette Cemetery at a later date where John will forever look over his beloved home. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the church. A visitation will also be held Wednesday from 10:30 A.M. until 11:45 A.M. at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in John's name.
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Memories
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Laura Gross
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Thoughts and prayers to the family of John Ruf. When I was a young girl growing up in the Fayette area and John was a teenager, I thought he was a giant since he was always so tall. I remember going into their house and a big black stuffed bear was on the front porch. What a scare. Bob and Laura (Toots) Gross
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Gail White Roberts
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So sorry to hear about Johnny. Condolences to Natalie & kids, Rosie & Betty. He and Shorty will have a great get-together, for sure! Johnny was such an important figure when we were little. He would do things that put us in awe. Like eating a big, wiggly nightcrawler. Never saw anybody do that before or since. And of course Johnny told us how hit was wiggling as it went down his throat, then into his tummy, farther and farther....and our eyes got bigger and bigger. We loved him dearly. Gail White Roberts and Jess
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Steph Soper Hanson
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I am so sorry Nathalie and family for your loss. My prayers have been with John and all of you and will continue to be said. May God be with you to comfort you all at this time.
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Karen Hauser
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Nathalie and family, We were so very sorry to hear about the passing of John. Although he no longer is in pain, he will truly be missed by so many who knew him. He was "The Rock" of Fayette , and when we were neighbors, he was such a good neighbor and friend. Our sincere sympathy to all of you and please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace , John! Karen Hauser and family
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Dennis Hale
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Aunt Nathalie, John will be missed by all. May you have the peace of Lords hand on our shoulder
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Al Rufer
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So very sorry for the family and friends suffering from this loss. I have known John for several years and always enjoyed our talks. Al Rufer