Donald Alfred Ruege (age 79), a West De Pere, WI resident, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. Don was born March 2, 1946 to Alfred and Angeline (Hansen) Ruege in Suring, WI. He was a 1964 graduate of Suring High School. On December 18, 1965, Don married his high school sweetheart, June Carol Schuettpelz, at St. John Lutheran Church in Hayes, WI. Don took a job in 1966 at Fort Howard (now known as Georgia Pacific), eventually learning the millwright trade. In 1969, they bought their first home/mini-farm nestled on 24 acres of land in Abrams and raised their children, Steven Donald and Retha June, before moving to Pittsfield in 2000. Don retired from Georgia Pacific in 1999 as part of the Quarter Century Club after a 33-year career there. Don and June moved to West De Pere in 2016 to downsize and be closer to family.

Don was raised on a self-sufficient dairy family farm in Suring, WI. When he and June moved to Abrams, even though he worked a full-time job, his farming passion was difficult to let go of. They raised beef cattle and rabbits, and harvested many crops on their acreage. They enjoyed their dogs and cats, and watched the passing wild deer, birds, and other animals. Don enjoyed gardening, yardwork, and being out in nature. He was always industrious, enjoyed tinkering, coming up with ingenious inventions, and had an excellent work ethic. His famous coined phrase that he passed through the generations was, "It isn't a mistake if you can fix it." Don's other passion was woodworking, and he created many keepsake items for the family to enjoy. Don was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend (loved by many).

When Don was asked what he wanted his legacy to be, he quickly stated, "Our children. Our family". He was the "always present" Grandpa, enjoying his grandchildren's activities and teaching them hands-on about his passions in the woodshop. He was so very proud of his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments. He loved to chit-chat with the kids in his neighborhood as he was known as "The Grandpa of Crocus Drive". He loved to tell his "B"rown "S"ugar stories, which was his politically correct way to define BS to the kids. We find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on through his lessons of humor, honesty, respect, integrity, and family values. We will feel his love and cherish his memories forever.

His wife of almost 60 years, June Ruege of West De Pere, survives Don; Other survivors include his son Steven Ruege (Rosemarie) Columbia City, OR; his daughter Retha Kellner-Ruege (Mike Nechodomu) Manitowoc, WI; his grandchildren, Kyle Ruege (Parris Le), Sydney Romandine, Izabella Romandine (Evan Westpfahl), Alexandra Romandine (Louie White); his step-grandchildren, Kathlyn Amos (Mark), Kim Yabut (Katie), King Yabut (MacKenzie), Knight Yabut, Kirstie Redding (Eric); his sister Lois Adams (Richard); his brother Gary Ruege (Betty); his sister-in-law Naomi Bahrke; his brothers-in-law, Alger Schuettpelz (Althea), Alvin Schuettpelz, Dennis Schuettpelz; many nieces and nephews; 7 great-grandchildren, close friends, and neighbors. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Angeline Ruege; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harold and Gertrude Schuettpelz; brother-in-law Donald Bahrke; sister-in-law Ellen Schuettpelz; grandparents; and aunts/uncles.

A memorial visitation will occur on Monday, April 28th, 2025, from 9-11 am CT at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 2160 Packerland Drive, Green Bay, WI, 54304, followed by a funeral service at 11 am, officiated by Pastor Ehlert. All friends and family are invited to enjoy lunch at the church after the funeral service. Cremation has taken place. Graveside services will occur later that afternoon with immediate family and whoever wants to join at the Cemetery of the Holy Sepulchre in Howard.

Donations can be made "In Memory of Don" and will be used to give back to the community.

The family wishes to thank the many healthcare workers who cared for Don. It is impossible to name each of you, but we want you to know that we sincerely appreciate your expertise and empathy. The family also wishes to thank the Ryan Funeral Home & Crematory in De Pere, WI, and Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Green Bay, WI.