Alvin R. Ruhnke

Alvin “Al” R. Ruhnke, 87, of Fond du Lac, died Tuesday, April 15, 2014, at Hospice Home of Hope,

Fond du Lac.

 

He was born on December 31, 1926, in West Bend, a son of Alvin F.C. and Alice K. Lauret Ruhnke.

 

Alvin was a graduate of West Bend High School and attended the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

 

He enlisted with the United States Army in June of 1945, attending basic training at Camp Robinson, Arkansas.  He served in Casablanca, North Africa, with the 176th MP Company, Namur, Belgium, and Bremerhaven, Germany, being honorably discharged in November of 1946.  He was in the Reserve Unit until 1949.

 

On June 20, 1948, he married Myrtle L. Wilke at Trinity Lutheran Church, West Bend.  She preceded him in death on January 15, 1977.  On May 12, 1978, he married Avis E. Holmgreen Reesman at Hope Lutheran Church, Fond du Lac.  She preceded him in death on December 8, 2009.

 

Al was employed with Mercury Marine as a data processor for over 32 years, retiring in 1988.

 

He was an active member of Hope Lutheran Church, serving on the Board of Elders, a Sunday school teacher and superintendent, an usher, the church archivist and historian, along with many other committees.

 

He is survived by two children:  Jeffrey (Pat) Ruhnke of Fond du Lac, and Beth Weinstock of Oshkosh; four stepchildren:  Anola (Richard) Huck, Jean (Dan) March, Holly (Kenneth) Provot, and Peggy (David) Vogds, all of Fond du Lac; 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Richard Ruhnke; and a sister, Marion Yogerst.

 

The funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at Hope Lutheran Church, 260 Vincent Street, Fond du Lac, with Rev. Steve Huff officiating.   Burial will be in Washington County Memorial Cemetery, West Bend.

 

The visitation will be on Tuesday at church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

 

Memorials may be directed to Hope Lutheran Church.

 

A special thanks to the staff at Hospice Home of Hope and all of his healthcare providers.

 

Mach Funeral Chapel & Crematory is serving the family, www.machfuneralchapel.com.