Robert Ruf
May 02, 1924 - November 07, 2016
Obituary
Robert R. Ruf, age 92 of Cambridge, WI formerly of Darlington, WI passed away Monday, November 7, 2016 at Autumn Winds of Oakland in Cambridge. He was born May 2, 1924 in Kendall Township in Lafayette County, WI the son of Christian and Lena (Siegenthaler) Ruf. Bob graduated from Darlington High School in 1942. He served as a Merchant Marine during World War 2. He was united in marriage to Maxine Douglas on December 6, 1947 at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Darlington. Bob and Maxine farmed and owned and operated the grocery store in Fayette for a short time before moving to Darlington where Bob began selling for the Rural Insurance Company. Bob eventually moved to Huron, SD where he became a sales manager for the entire state and later seven counties in the central WI area. He and his wife Maxine eventually retired to Pardeeville, WI. Bob is survived by his children: Nancy (Tom) Arguello of Bettendorf, IA, Joy (Greg) Schwartz of Mount Horeb, WI, and Todd (Brenda) Ruf of Arlington, WI; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one son-in-law; Ed Edwards of Boscobel, WI and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Maxine in 2005; one daughter: Vicki Edwards; one grandson: Brian Goodman; five brothers: Ernest, Paul, Warner, Frank, and Otto Ruf; two sisters: Anna Ruf and Marie Wernke; and one son-in-law: James Selje. Bob was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ in Darlington and president of its Church Council from 1960 - 1965.A funeral service will be held Friday, November 11, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at Immanuel United Church of Christ (339 E. Louisa Street, Darlington) with Rev. Larry Balleine officiating. Burial will be at Union Grove Cemetery in Darlington where military graveside rites will be accorded. A visitation will be held Friday, November 11, 2016 from 9:00 A.M. until the time of services 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 Bob's name. The family would like to thank the staff at Autumn Winds of Oakland in Cambridge for their care and compassion over the past ten years and most recently Rainbow Hospice of Jefferson.
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Memories
JR
Joshua Reichling
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Sitting on his Knee While he played cards in a game of eucher with any number of past family members Him Gnawing on his cigar butt Enjoying an Old Milwaukee!
EE
ed edwards
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Bob Ruf was an amazing person--period!!! I met Bob in 2000 when I started dating Vicki and he never let me forget I got paid too much for being a teacher! I know he really never believed that but we always needled each other about me a teacher and him an insurance agent. Bob was so successful as an insurance agent because he wasn't out to just sell a policy, he cared about people and would do anything to make sure they got paid if they deserved a payment. He believed in insurance and he believed in his company, and he believed in himself. He was the most positive man I have ever met, He loved his family to no ends and would do anything for them even if it meant a kick in a butt!! He was my second Dad and I am proud to call him that as he was the same age as my Dad who died at 67. I appreciate the Ruf family who always treated me as one of them. I will miss Bob tremendously and remember he was' too poor too pass!!'
JD
Jeff Douglas
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Uncle Bob was truly one of the greatest men I've ever had the pleasure to know. His love of family extended through the Ruf family, reaching out to the Douglas family and bringing so many of us years of joyful, loving memories. Alot of lessons were learned sitting with him at the card table. So many tears of laughter were shed, listening to my Dad, Gene, and him exchange jokes back and forth. You were blessed with a long, memorable and loving life, uncle Bob. We were all blessed to have you be a part of ours. God Bless. JJ
BC
Bill (Bumpa) Curren
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Bill (Bumpa) Curren A one of a kind guy who will be sorely missed. We shared good times together (Weddings-Birthday celebrations-visits to your lake home in Pardeeville) and some tough times (funerals). We had so much in common--the insurance industry & some grandchildren. You lived the good life and helped so many people.. You were adored by your family and appreciated for your genuine kindness. You are now with your Lord and Savior.. What a great joy it is to be absent from the body and to be present with Jesus.
JC
Janet (Edge) Carley
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Nancy - so sorry about your dad, he was a great person, I know you will miss him. Your in my thoughts and prayers.
MF
Marnette - Badger Honor Flight
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The volunteers, flight team and board of Badger Honor Flight mourn the loss of their hero, Robert Ruf. We are thankful for his military service and proud to have served him on his trip to Washington, D.C. on September 12, 2015..