Charles Edward Ruehs Sr.

Charles Edward Ruehs Sr. was born January 8, 1936.  Born the son of Henry and Florence (Smith) Ruehs.  His father passed early in life, and at the age of 12, he and his younger brother Thomas, who was 3 years old, stayed on the family farm with George and Viola (Morningstar) Ruehs.  They legally adopted them later in their life, and raised and loved them as their own.

Charles graduated from Dundee High School in 1954 and then attended Michigan State Agricultural School.  He married his High School sweetheart, Juanita Miller, and they shared 68 years together.  They raised their children, Henry (Connie) of Petersburg, Diane of Dundee, and Charles Jr. (Carol) of Dundee, in their home of over 65 years.

Charles was a fourth-generation farmer in Ruehs Farms.  He partnered with his brother Tom, cousin Ed, and son Henry where they milked at one time over 200 dairy cows and farmed close to 1200 acres.

Retiring early at the age of 55, Charles worked odd jobs and with Rollo Juckette Auctioneer, where he and Juanita accumulated many collections, they display in their party barn.

They purchased their vacation home on the AuSable River in Mio Michigan 25 years ago where they spent a lot of their time making friends and memories.

Charles was a lifetime member of West Ida Immanual Lutheran Church where he served as co-Sunday School Superintendent and sang many solos and duets with his lovely voice.

Charles served on the board of Monroe County Farm Bureau and attended their convention in Hawaii in 1977.

He served on the Dundee Township Board of Review and then their Planning Board for 20 years.

Charles was a member of the Dundee Senior Citizens Cener where he and Juanita enjoyed Tuesday Euchre and lunch for years.  They also enjoyed many gambling trips with the center also.

Charles passed peacefully in his home on July 23, 2024, holding his wife of 68 years hand.  Besides his three children, he leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren and expecting 3 more.  Preceding him in life were both sets of parents, his brother Tom and half-sister Judy.

Friends may call at the Capaul Funeral Home, Ida, MI, Sunday July 28, 2024, from 2-8PM. He will lie in state on Monday July 29, 2024, from 10 AM until the services at 11AM at West Ida Immanuel Lutheran Church, Ida, MI. Pastor Denise Benjamin will officiate. The burial will be in West Ida Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Ida, MI.

Memorials may be made to West Ida Immanual Lutheran Church.