Ervin John Ruge

1936-2023

Ervin John Ruge, 87, of Medford, town of Molitor, died Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family and while under the care of Hope Hospice.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 19 at Hemer- Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford with Rev. Nancy Amacher officiating.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

John, the name he went by, was born Jan. 21, 1936 in Medford to Herman Sr. and Elizabeth (Peters) Ruge. He grew up in the town of Molitor where he also attended school.

One night while at a local dance, John met his future bride Eva Grace Schmidt. The two were united in marriage on May 17, 1958 and they continued to dance for nearly 66 years. They resided in the town of Molitor and John started out working for the Taylor County Highway Dept. He then worked for various road construction companies until starting his very own road construction business. After selling the business and retiring, he couldn’t sit still and went back to work for James Peterson & Sons. He also enjoyed logging during the winters when he couldn’t work on the roads.

John loved to hunt, and he looked forward to spending time at his log cabin in the woods. He enjoyed having his hunting crew over for special meals and to play cards. He enjoyed playing sheepshead and cribbage, and he liked making firewood for the cabin.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Eva; daughter, Lori Ruge, both of Medford; a brother, Herbert Ruge of Athens; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Herman Ruge Jr., Ruth Neubauer, and Katherine Neubauer.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.

Paid Obituary 146179