Michael Ruehle 1953 - 2014

RUEHLE, SMITH, FLAMMANG

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/8/2014 at 11:42:59

Sioux City Journal
9 February 2014

SIOUX CITY | Michael Ruehle, 60, of Sioux City passed away Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014, at an Omaha hospital, surrounded by family and friends, due to complications of cancer treatments.

Services will be 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Church of the Nativity, 4242 Natalia Way. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., a rosary said at 4:30 p.m., led by the Knights of Columbus, followed by a vigil at 7 p.m., at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Online condolences can be directed to meyerbroschapels.com.

Mike, son of Bruce and Jean (Smith) Ruehle, was born in Emmetsburg, Iowa, on March 4, 1953. He graduated from Ruthven High School in 1971 and Westmar College in 1975. On June 17, 1978, Mike was united in marriage to his soulmate, Kerry Flammang, at Immaculate Conception in Sioux City.

His career began in 1975 at Lawton-Bronson as an industrial arts teacher. He joined MidAmerican Energy (formerly IPS) in 1980 and held various positions, most recently storeroom supervisor.

Faith was very important to Mike, and he openly shared his beliefs with others. He was an active member of his parish and Knights of Columbus Third Degree.

He enjoyed woodworking and loved coaching his children in various sports. Mike never knew a stranger and was a friend to everyone he met. He mentored cancer patients and their families and used his own 12-year cancer journey as a token of what obstacles can be overcome by living the motto "God is driving the bus." He was a longtime Denver Broncos fan.

Selfishness would not describe Mike because he was always giving back to his community in many capacities including serving as a member of the Mater Dei School Board, a volunteer firefighter, and EMT. Mike’s close friends and family affectionately referred to him as "Bear." In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you bring a teddy bear to the visitation or funeral service. Those bears will be donated to the children of the transplant unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

There are not enough words to tell his stories or enough pages to list the friends he made. The lives he touched are endless.

Mike is survived by his wife, Kerry of Sioux City, Iowa; three children, Dr. Rhett (Maren) Ruehle of Worthing, S.D., Ashley (Daniel) Locke of Sioux City, and Nathan Ruehle of Sioux City; his mother, Jean; four brothers, David (Marilyn) Ruehle, Gary Ruehle, Dean (Mary) Ruehle and Robert (Leanne) Ruehle; as well as many other relatives and friends.

His father, Bruce, preceded him in death.