Eldred “Ruggie” N. Ruegemer, 74, Richmond

June 17, 1940 - March 9, 2015

Mass of Christian burial celebrating the life of Eldred “Ruggie” N. Ruegemer, age 74, of Richmond, will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring. Father Matthew Luft, OSB will officiate and innichment will take place in the parish cemetery at a later date. Ruggie was surrounded by family as he passed away Monday morning. There will be a visitation from 4:00-8:00 PM on Friday, March 13, 2015 and again after 10:00 AM until the time of the service on Saturday at the church. Parish prayers will be at 7:30 PM Friday evening led by Deacon Larry Sell. Arrangements are being made with Miller-Carlin Funeral Home, St. Cloud.

Ruggie was born on June 17, 1940 to Christ and Kathryn (Wachman) Ruegemer in St. Martin Township. He grew up with three siblings and graduated from St. Boniface High School. Ruggie married Dolores “Dee” Garding on October 31, 1964 in St. Martin and together they had three children. Ruggie was active in school and church activities such as the Home & School Board, Needs Assessment and Building Committee, and many other activities. He worked at DeZurik for over 30 years. Not ready to retire, he worked in the purchasing department at the St. Cloud Hospital and Stearns County. He also worked as a Jury Attendant at the Court House for several years. He was a member of the Cold Spring American Legion Post #455 and was also a part of the rifle squad for military funerals. Ruggie served on the Wakefield Township Board for over 10 years. After moving to Big Fish Lake, he joined the planning board and later served as Supervisor on the Collegeville Township Board for more than 25 years. He was instrumental in the formation of the new Collegeville Township Hall and the Chain of Lakes Fire Department. Ruggie enjoyed fishing, woodworking, spending time with his family on the lake, and pontoon rides with his grandsons listening to “pontoon music” (old time music). He was an active member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring and the Catholic Aid Association. Ruggie will be dearly missed by his family and friends but never forgotten.

Ruggie is survived by his wife of 50 years Dee; son Todd (Julie) Ruegemer, Cold Spring and their sons Mitchell and Mason; daughter Danna (Jim) Sobania, Sartell, and their sons Chase, Reid, and Grant; siblings Dorothy Pflipsen, Lucille (John) Stock, and Norm (LeeAnn) Ruegemer.

He is preceded by his parents Kathryn and Christ, infant son Michael, and brother-in-law Rich Pflipsen.