Norman A. Ruch

Norman A. Ruch (84) passed peacefully in his home following an injury earlier in the month. Norm was born Christmas Eve, 1938, the third of seven children of Rueben and Marjorie (Krueger) Ruch. He married the love of his life, Joanne Marie Liner, on December 30, 1961 in Fort Lewis, WA, where he was in service with the Army National Guard. He was called up during the Berlin Crisis of 1961, but did not see action, and was honorably discharged on August 31, 1966.

He was a long-time employee of the Red Owl Grocery Store in Fond du Lac, WI, where he was produce manager, and later worked for ABC Supply Co. (also in Fond du Lac). He retired from ABC Supply Co.

Norm was the father of three children, Kevin John (Beverlee Podewils), Brian David, and Colleen Marie (Andrew Doll), grandfather to eight grandchildren: Lyddia Corrine Ruch-Doll, Andrew Linus Ruiz, Tyler Ambrose Ruch, Marilyn Hope Doll, Joanna Amii (Jacob) Skipper, Samuel Joseph Ruch, Brenan Richard Doll, Em N. Doll, and Staci Peterson — as well as four great-grandchildren: Dax Harrison Skipper, Flynn Nolan Doll, Eloise Marie Skipper, and Atlas Jones Skipper.

He is further survived by siblings Shirley Gedlinske, Richard (Mary) Ruch, Hugh Kelly (Jim Edwards) Ruch and sisters-in-law Kathleen Ruch and Kathleen Ruch.

He enjoyed watching M*A*S*H and westerns, riding his bike and later his scooter, playing the lottery, and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, grand-dogs (of which there were/are many), and great-grand-cat (Flapjack). He was a proud member of the Military Funeral Honor Guard, serving from 2005 to 2022.

He was preceded in death by his sons Kevin and Brian, his parents and grandparents, siblings Marilyn Joyce (Ruch) Koester, Donald J. Ruch, and Rueben W. Ruch Jr. and brothers-in-law James Koester and David J. Gedlinske.

SERVICES: Norm’s family invites relatives to Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. until the time of mass. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post #75.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged in Norm’s honor to American Legion Post #75 and SSM Hospice Foundation.