Kennneth Gilbert Ruggeberg

Mr. Kenneth G. Ruggeberg, 90, of DeWitt, Iowa, passed away peacefully Friday afternoon, July 8, 2016, at Grand Haven Assisted Living, Eldridge.

Kenneth Gilbert Ruggeberg was born near Welton August 26, 1925, to Roy and Amelia (Schwartz) Ruggeberg.  He graduated from Welton High School in 1942 at age 16.  Ken served in the United States Navy Air Corps in a fighter-bomber during World War, II.  Following his discharge from the service, Ken attended Augustana College.  He began farming and married Carolyn Hilmers, June 29, 1947, at the First Congregational Church, DeWitt.  They farmed near DeWitt for forty-six years.  His wife preceded him in death in February of 2004.

He was willingly active in the community.  Ken coached Welton Little League, was on the Welton School Board, United Manor Board, many Congregational Church Boards, DeWitt Community Hospital Board and the Paul B. Sharar Foundation.  Ken was a member of the DeWitt Lions Club, the Eugene McManus American Legion Post #238 of DeWitt, Masonic Temple and Farm Bureau.  He was politically active and worked on the statewide platform committee.  Ken was a former Clinton County Supervisor.  

Ken was part of an active bicycling and bridge club.  He especially enjoyed playing 500.  Golf was also a favorite hobby.  Ken was truly gifted in wood carving.  He and Carolyn traveled to many parts of the world.  He was an upbeat man and many enjoyed his friendship and wit.  

Surviving are sons and daughters-in-law, John and Jan Ruggeberg of Winona, Minnesota, and Mark and Kim Ruggeberg of Rogers, Arkansas; grandchildren, Jennifer (Scott) Elsesser and their children, Jana and Justin of Hudson, Wisconsin, Michael Ruggeberg of Denver, Colorado, and Brynne Dickie of Edinburgh, Scottland; a sister, Margaret Pestka of Clinton; a sister-in-law, Louise Collins of Moline, Illinois; many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Ken in death in addition to his wife, Carolyn were his parents; his step-mother, Jessie Maltas; siblings, Harold (Lois) Ruggeberg, Leo (Alice) Ruggeberg, Thelma (John) Braet, Darrell (Nadine) Ruggeberg, Vernon Ruggeberg, Vinetta (George) Farber, Opal Ruggeberg, Bernetta Ruggeberg and Everett (Janet) Ruggeberg; a step-sister, Dorothy (Bill) Carson and a brother-in-law, Joe Pestka.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 15, 2016.  A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 16, 2016, at the First Congregational UCC, DeWitt with Pastor Jeff Wartgow officiating.  Burial and military rites will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt.

Memorials may be designated to First Congregational UCC, DeWitt Community Hospital Foundation and Central Community Educational Foundation.

Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.