On December 8, 2020, Dick passed away at The Courtyard of Oshkosh Memory Care Facility, where he had resided for the past three months. He was born in Oshkosh July 28, 1935, to Otto and Cecilia (Ratajczak) Ruedinger, the oldest of eight children. He was raised on the family farm, attended Skeleton Bridge School and Winneconne High School. Dick joined the Army in July 1957, served six months active duty and six additional years in the Army Reserve. He was employed by Castle-Pierce Corporation for thirty-two years, and retired in June of 1997. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Winneconne.

In 1957, Dick met his future wife, Judy Dahms, while roller skating, they married on January 30, 1960, and shared almost 61 years together; she survives. They raised four children, Richard “Rick” J. Ruedinger, (deceased), Terry Ruedinger, Oshkosh, Lynn Ruedinger (Kathryn Nichols), Oshkosh, and Lori (Thomas) Casey, Menasha. He is survived by two grandsons, Evan Casey, Freedom, and Shea Casey, Menasha. Additionally, he is survived by his sister, Dolores Zabel, Winneconne, two brothers, Thomas Ruedinger, Omro, and Arthur (Dawn) Ruedinger, Oshkosh, and one sister-in-law, Suzanne Ruedinger, Oshkosh. Dick is further survived by Judy’s sisters, Jacqueline Dahms (Barbara Noltemeyer), DeForest, and Carol (Steven) Reigh, Oshkosh, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.    

In addition to his son, Rick, his parents, Otto and Cecilia Ruedinger and Judy’s parents, Lester and Viola Dahms; he was preceded in death by two sisters, Barbara Gelhar and Rosemary Kiplin; two brothers, Joseph Ruedinger and Charles Ruedinger; three brothers-in-law, Joseph Gelhar, Richard Zabel and Robert Kiplin.  

His first concern was always his family. Dick put everyone else first; he was an exceptional caretaker for all of us, especially Terry. Besides being with his family, he enjoyed attending tractor shows; he was very proud of his collection of Farmall tractors. He loved tinkering and fine tuning the engines; he puttered with various small engines and was able to repair almost anything that needed fixing. Dick had a wonderful sense of humor; he loved music, especially polka music, and was an excellent dancer.  He had a very strong work ethic; he made the best of every situation, his favorite saying, “It could always be worse!”

We will be forever grateful to The Courtyard of Oshkosh. Thank you for allowing us to be with Dick in his final days; that is a memory that we will cherish and hold in our hearts forever. Thank you to your exceptional staff; Bobbi Jo, Sarah, Trisha, Amber, Caroline, Marissa and Meika. To Gabby and Izzy, thank you for coming in on your day off to visit Dick. 

Also thank you to the staff at the Aurora ER, particularly nurse Carly. To the outstanding staff at Aurora 2West, Jennifer, Nurse Supervisor, thank you for making it possible for me to be with Dick for those two days; what a priceless gift you gave me. To the rest of the nursing staff at 2West, especially Hannah, Vicky, and Danissa for your special care and attention. Also, to all the doctors who cared for Dick: Dr Ammar Alzoubi, Dr. Mrani, Dr. Wilmot, and Stephanie Tavs, NP, of Bluestone Physician Services. We are very grateful to the caring and competent staff of Heartland Hospice; thank you.   A special thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all our relatives, friends, and neighbors for all your thoughtfulness, your prayers, your support, your phone calls and food, and for always taking such good care of us; Pat and Margie Metcalf, Mike and Kathy Meinen, Share and Bill Steffen, the Davis family, the Zehner’s, Kathy Hartzheim, Sue Kuhn, and all the Overton’s. Sister Pam, thank you for all your cards, notes, emails and phone calls; you truly are an angel here on earth.   Each and every one of you holds a special place in our hearts; your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten; God bless all of you.  Please forgive us if we have forgotten to mention anyone by name, you know who you are, thank you.

Please join us for a Memorial/Celebration of Dick's life on Friday, July 16, 2021, at St. Mary Catholic Church 210 Pleasant Dr. Winneconne. A visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the service at 11:00, followed by military honors. A luncheon will be served. Maske are optional. Mueller Funeral Home-Winneconne is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established.  

If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.

I love you with all my heart, Dick; I will join you in heaven and we will be together for all eternity.

Dad,

When people look at us, we hope this is what they say:

“She’s got her Father’s eyes,

Her Father’s eyes;

Eyes that find the good in things,

When good is not around;

Eyes that find the source of help,

When help just can’t be found;

Eyes full of compassion,

Seeing every pain;

Knowing what you’re going through

And feeling it the same.

Just like my Father’s eyes,

My Father’s eyes…”

We love you very much, Dad.

Lynn and Lori