Bernard Keith Ruh

Bernard (Ben) Keith Ruh passed away peacefully at home on November 26, 2022. 

Ben was born in Oshkosh, WI on February 19, 1941, to Harry William Ruh and Dorothy Ruth (Sucher) Ruh.  

Ben is remembered by his loving wife of 56 years, Katherine (Champeny) Ruh, his children Sarah (Shawn) Palmer and Adam (Rebecca) Ruh, grandchildren Alec (Allie) Palmer, Daniel Ruh and Ross Palmer, and numerous nieces and nephews as well as life-long friend, Arthur (Chopper) Frank.  

Ben was preceded in death by his parents and his six older siblings; Robert (Dorothy) Ruh, Warren (Sylvia) Ruh, Lorraine (Jack) Sams, Fred Ruh, Patricia Choelowinski and Deanna (Ralph) Schaetz. 

A 1959 graduate of Oshkosh High School, he went on to serve two years in the Navy aboard the USS Randolph Aircraft Carrier where he participated in the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Ben strongly believed in life-long learning, and became a self-taught millwright, ending his career as a journeyman tool and die maker.  If it could be made, Ben could make it.  

For many years Bernard and Kathi lived on 5 acres near Pickett. Ben’s love of nature led him to plant over 1500 trees, which became his personal woods. People often brought him trees to replant and mailed seeds and nuts to add to the woods or yard. Visitation for Ben will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (312 S. State St., Appleton, WI 54911) on Monday, December 5, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am and will be followed by mass at 10:30.  

Memorial contributions may be made in Ben’s name to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Concern for Creation Committee.