Gary I. Ruud

Gary I. Ruud, age 87, of Burlington, WI, passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Son of the late Ingvald and Esther (Erickson) Ruud, Gary was born on June 10, 1936, in Waukegan, IL. His aunt and uncle, Leila and Ralph Timmerman, played a significant role in Gary’s upbringing, creating lasting memories in Hayward, WI.  On February 2, 1957, Gary was united in marriage with Nancy J. Matthews at the First Baptist Church in Waukegan. He worked as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, retiring after 33 years. Gary remained active, however, working for the next 12 years at Walmart as an assembler, and then working part time for the Burlington School District.

Gary was an avid outdoorsman and longtime member of the Twin Lakes Sportsmen’s club, where he could share his passion with other enthusiasts. Gary especially loved fishing and he cherished fishing adventures with his grandsons.  He enjoyed vacationing in Florida and Northern Wisconsin, a place near and dear to his heart. Gary loved all animals, and his affection for his beloved canine companions over the years was evident to all who knew him. Above all else, family was paramount to Gary. He was a devoted father who was always there for his children with unwavering support and love. He relished his role as Grandpa and formed close bonds and wonderful memories with his grandsons, later becoming G-Pa to their children. Gary’s love for his wife was especially evident as he companioned and walked alongside Nancy, supporting her in all of her religious endeavors and her spiritual journey.

3 John 4: I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Nancy J. Ruud; children, Gary B. (Vicki) Ruud, Donna L. (Michael) Dennis, and David K. Ruud; grandsons, Jason (Katie) Dennis, Josh (Kelly) Ruud, Eric (Devin) Dennis, Brian (Annalise) Dennis, Daniel Dennis, Michael Dennis, and Nathan Ruud; 11 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Alan (Darlene) Ruud. In death, he is reunited with his parents, Ingvald and Esther; aunt Leila and uncle Ralph; sister, Sandra Rescigno; and stillborn daughter, Suzanne Lynn.

A funeral service will take place on Monday, April 1, 2024, at 11:00AM at the Faith Chapel Evangelical Free Church, 141 Westridge Ave, Burlington, WI 53105. Visitation will be held at church from 9:00AM until the service at 11:00AM, luncheon to follow. A private committal service will take place at Mound Prairie Cemetery in Twin Lakes, WI. Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home and Crematory of Twin Lakes is honored to serve the Ruud family. Online guestbook at haaselockwoodfhs.com.