William "Bill" Ruehman's Obituary
William (“Bill”) Henry Ruehman, 79, died suddenly May 10, 2017 while overlooking his land, goats, and pond at the Rafter R Ranch in Fall River.
Despite battling brain cancer, he lived life to the fullest and spent his last day in this world working on his tractor, mowing his lawn, and sitting on the bench at True Value Hardware visiting with some of his long-time dearest friends.
He was born on December 10, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois to Gertrude (Amesse) and Edward Ruehman. When he was a teenager, he moved to live with his father and stepmother, Eleanor (Roth) Rehman in Fall River, Kansas, and country living became part of his soul. Bill graduated from Fredonia High School Class of 1956 and kept in touch with his classmates throughout the years.
After graduation from high school, Bill returned to Chicago to begin his Pipefitter Apprenticeship. He went on to work at several Chicago-area power houses and industrial construction sites through the Pipefitters’ Union.
Bill married JoAnn (Cluck) March 11, 1967. Bill and JoAnn moved to Fall River with their son, Bill, and two daughters, Kirsten and Kari in 1977. While work periodically took him back to Chicago, his heart remained in Kansas. After the passing of his parents, Bill took over the Rafter R Ranch, being a true cowboy until his final days. While raising cows, horses, goats, dogs, cats, and kids, Bill also found time for many hobbies; leatherworking, gardening, and winemaking to name a few. A lifelong fish enthusiast, Bill built an aquaponic system and greenhouse dedicated to his beloved and devoted wife, JoAnn, after her death in 2015.
William is survived by one son, Bill Edward Ruehman, of Elk City; two daughters Kirsten Ruehman and Kari Ruehman, both of Austin, Texas; his sister, Phyllis Ruehman, of Montfort, Wisconsin; grandson, Marshall Ruehman (Teddie) and great-grandchildren, Zayne, Addisyn, and Asher, of Claremore, Oklahoma; sister-in-law, Susan Ruehman, of Portage, Indiana; and nieces, Chris and Ethyl Ruehman.
He is preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn, his parents, and brother.
A Memorial Service for both Bill & JoAnn Ruehman will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 11:00 at the Fall River Community Building in Fall River, Kansas
Memorial donations are suggested to the Wilson County Old Iron Club, and can be left with or mailed to the Funeral Home. Services are entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 420 S. 20th Street – PO Box 247, Fredonia, KS 66736.
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