"I am sorry to say I just learned of Jim's passing. Jim was my swimming hero and a co worker as a life guard. Jim's had a great humor and will be so missed. I pray that Jim rests in peace and his family my condolences. Jim was a terrific 100/50 freestyler for Fort Dodge High. I wished I could have had more contact with him, but will meet up again one day."
In loving memory of
James Richard Ruge
May 30, 1951 - August 9, 2015
James (Jim) Richard Ruge, 64, of Fort Dodge died on August 9, 2015 at his home surrounded by family.
Visitation will be Tuesday, August 11, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home. Services will be held on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1111 Fifth Avenue North, Fort Dodge.
James (Jim) was born on May 30, 1951 in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the son of Richard and Adeline (Halligan) Ruge. He was second oldest of six children. He attended schools here and graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High in 1970 where he was known for beginning a tradition of swimming honors for the Ruge brothers. He was a member of the FDSH State Champion Baseball Team in 1969. Following high school he attended Winona State University and served in the Iowa Air National Guard. He worked for Hormel in Algona before becoming a journeyman electrician and later a partner at Ruge Electric. He worked for Ruge Electric and others. He retired in 2011 after 40 years as an electrician.
He loved to golf, fish, and hunt. He always had hunting dogs. Over the years, he went from project to project at his home and for his many friends. He was quick to help others remodel, tinker with vehicles or do whatever needed doing.
Jim is survived by his parents, Dick and Adeline Ruge; sisters, Linda (Marshel) Rossow, Mankato, MN; Sherrie Palmer and John Sunner, Spirit Lake; and brothers, Chris (Anny) Ruge, Las Vegas, NM; Kyle (Sherry) Ruge and Joe (Linda) Ruge, Fort Dodge. Nieces and nephews: Brent (Andrea) Rossow and Rebecca Rossow (Zach Strasser), Mankato; Cassidy Ruge and Teslin Ruge, Las Vegas, NM; JJ Lane, Humboldt; Jessie Palmer and Ben Palmer, Fort Dodge; Dirk (Sigrid) Ruge, Denver, CO; Cole (Ashley) Ruge, Fort Dodge; Heath (Courtney) Ruge and Grant (Taylor) Ruge, Waukee; Brooke (Jason) Breeland, St. Louis, MO and Abby Ruge, Spirit Lake; Nathan (Kara), Mason City; Brian, Marshalltown; Katie Dallas, TX; and AJ, Fort Dodge and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by grandparents: William and Margaret Halligan and Ella Gillman.
Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.
Tributes
"My sincerest and heartfelt condolences to the entire Ruge family for the loss of Jim who was taken much too soon. I have many fond memories of the Ruge family and you have been ever-present in my thoughts and prayers. May your memories bring you comfort in this difficult time. Pam Johnson "
"My sympathies go out to your parents, family and friends. I know this can be such an overwhelming time for you all. Since he was my cousins son, I first met him when his mother, Adeline, was changing his diaper . Obviously, I missed out on most of his life but My sister and I spent a wonderful afternoon and meal with Dick and Adeline a few summers ago. We saw the wonderful pride they held for their children, and grandchildren. So my heart breaks for them at this sad time. They will meet again in Heaven and that gives us all a measure of comfort. Love, Dr. Philip and Carolyn Havlin-Cryer in Saint Louis, Missouri."
"Jim was an original good guy. I remember him most for his tenacity in the pool. He had a huge heart and always found a way to win. You have my deepest heartfelt sympathy, Jim will be missed."
"So sorry to learn of Jim's passing. My sympathy to the family and friends. Bruce Stromberg"
"Dear Adeline, Dick and Family, You have our deepest sympathy at the loss of your Son Jim. God be with you today and in the days ahead. Friends Joyce & Cec Phipps"
"Dear Adeline, Dick and Family, You have our deepest sympathy at the loss of your Son Jim. God be with you today and in the days ahead. Friends Joyce & Cec Phipps"
"I was so shocked and upset upon hearing of Jim's death. I only knew him for a little while way back in high school in Fort Dodge. But he was my "first love." We dated for awhile before he went to college and I certainly never have forgotten him. Please know that I am truly sorry for the entire family.
Deanna (Beletti) Falls
Land O Lakes, Florida"
"I am sad to hear of Jim's death. He had a comforting presence. I am thinking of all Ruges at this time. -- Holly Halligan"
"I WAS SADDENED TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF JIM. HE WAS MORE THAN JUST A FREIND, HE WAS CONSIDERED PART OF THE FAMILY. MY TRIPS BACK TO IOWA WILL NOT BE THE SAME WITHOUT " KING BUFFET". I'M GOING TO MISS HIM BUT I HAVE ALMOST 50 YEARS OF MEMORIES SO I KNOW HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. REST IN PEACE JIM"
"I will miss you Jim you help my family and I after my Dad Passed."
"It was obvious that a barter system between Jim and myself would be completely lopsided, since he could do ten different construction, electrical or whatever else a guy could think of to my one!! One day Jim was on his way over to do something at my place, since he always dropped whatever he was doing to help a friend. I asked if I should start doing something easy that was part of the big picture! My buddy Jim's response was,"why don't you just go ahead and wait!!" I looked at my wife and we both cracked up in laughter, since he was 100% right in keeping me completely out of the project!! From that moment on, "go ahead and wait" was incorporated into every project and sometimes Jim and I would laugh so hard over that our stomachs ached!! Jim I'll miss you more than you'll ever know. Rest in Peace, my friend. Tim Lawler"
"Remembering our class mate, FDHS 1970. Always fun to be around! Kent and Diane (Udermann) McClurg Plano, Texas "
"GEEZS JIM I WISH I KNEW I WANTED TO EXPLAIN TO YOU SOME THINGS I THINK WERE MIS UNDERSTOOD BETWEEN US! I WANTED TO GO TO THE HOMECOMING GAME AT OUR LAST REUNION BUT I HAVE A BAD LEG AND CANT WALK THEN I WAS GOING TO TALK TO YOU AT THE REUNION DINNER AS I SAW YOU PACING BACK AN FORTH IN THE PARKNG LOT! YOU ALWAYS MADE ME FEEL SAVE WHEN YOU WERE THERE! I TOLD SOMETHING TO DOUG KLASS AND I THOUGHT MAYBE THAT MADE YOU U[SET WITH ME! THANK YOU FOR GOING WITH ME TO THE CHRISTMAS PARTY AT MY ONE JOB ! YOU WHERE A PERFECT DATE! I WAS PRETTY MIXED UP ON RELATIONSHIPS AT THAT TIME! SORRY IF I WAS RUDE AS I WAS MADE TO FEEL LIKE I WAS TROUBLE TO ANYONE I KNEW! THEN I THOUGHT U AND SUE DAVIS MIGHT BE GOING TOGETHER! SHE HAS PASSED AWAY ALSO! I WANTED TO EXPLAIN THINGS TO YOU BUT UNDER ADVISE OF OTHERS I DIDNT! YOU HELPED ME ALOT JIM WISH I COULD OF TOLD YOU THAT! I HEARD YOUR FOLKS WERE BAD AND I WONDERED HOW THEY WERE! I WAS TAKING CARE OF MY MOTHER WHO DIED OCT>16, 2014! I REMEMBER HAVING A DEEP CRUSH ON YOU WHEN YOU WERE A SWIMMER! I ACTED LIKE A FOOL UNCARING WHEM I WAS WITH YOU! OTHERS TOLD ME YOU HAD SOMEONE ELSE DONT BRING UP THE PAST! IT WAs great knowing you jim! rest in peace! Kathy Hill schwaller! for KYLE AND CRIS AND SHERRY AND ANY OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS I WAS RANDY HILLS SISTER! MAY JIM REST IN PEACE AND I WILL SEE YOU IN THE REUNION IN THE SKY!
"
"Jim always had a story to tell or a smile and hug to share! He will be missed. Our heartfelt sympathy to his loving family and his many friends at this difficult time. With love, Kim and Richard Langholz"