Mark Ruf

Mark Warner Ruf made his last pass down the track of life on Saturday, November 8, 2025, after a long health journey. He was born on Friday, October 20,1961, to John & Nathalie (Hale) Ruf. He grew up and lived his life in Fayette, WI. He spent his younger years attending school in Fayette and graduated from Darlington High School in 1979. Mark grew up and continued farming on the home farm into the late 80s. He then worked alongside his parents and siblings, running Ruf’s Farm Service. He was also a co-owner of the Spot Tavern.

He took on the love of tractor pulling and snowmobiling at a young age, which brought many friendships and stories for the remainder of his life. Anyone who knew Mark knew he would put a smile on your face and if he wasn't telling a story he was creating one. His sense of humor and quick wit brought tears to your eyes as you laughed over and over. He had a passion for anything fast, large engines, and lifelong friends. Not a day went by that he wasn’t on the phone, texting, or visiting with someone. Even in a strange town, you’d always get the question, “Do you know Mark Ruf?”

Beyond tractor pulling, his enthusiasm for all things Redbirds was a top priority. He attended, listened, and watched any games he could. You’d often see him in the front row at basketball games, eating Skittles and “talking” to the refs. In the last few years, he was even proud to wear Pointer gear for those grandchildren of his. He’d do anything for them!

Mark is survived by the love of his life, Lisa Paulson, with whom he spent 33 years with, and his five children: Brandi (Dustin) Ruf Wepking, Joey (Lydia) Ruf, Michael (Alyssah Kubly) Ruf, Jacob (Elly Wild) Ruf, and Matthew Ruf, all of Darlington. One of his favorite things in life were his grandchildren; Madisyn (Tagg), Kendyl, Kanon, Ivy, Lyla, Olive, Rayna, and Lainey. He held his family above all else in life. He was truly a family man!

He is also survived by his siblings: Dick (Carol) Ruf, Bill (Jodi) Ruf, Duke (Jody) Ruf, and Deana (Stu) Soper. Along with Brandi and Joey’s mother, Lori (Reichling) Lee. Lisa’s mother, Donna, her siblings, Tami (Jay), Ryan (Betsy), Lucas (Trang), and Jared (Kelly), and his many cousins, aunts, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and Lisa’s father.

A funeral service will be held Friday, November 14, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at Immanuel United Church of Christ (339 E. Louisa St., Darlington) with Rev. Dana Caldwell officiating. Burial will be in Fayette Cemetery in rural Darlington. A visitation will be held Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Immanuel United Church of Christ and on Friday from 9:30 A.M. until 10:45 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.

The family requests that all in attendance to the visitation wear casual attire or their favorite tractor pulling shirt.

The family would like to thank the Doctors and nursing staff at University Wisconsin Hospital and transplant clinic for all of the wonderful care of Mark.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Mark's name.