Joseph D. "Dan" Ruch's Obituary
Joseph Daniel “Dan” Ruch, age 79, named after his paternal grandfather, passed away at home Tuesday, November 29, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Dan was born at home in Ravenna on January 16, 1943 to Ralph and Margaret (Buzas) Ruch. Dan attended rural Price School and graduated from Ravenna High School, class of 1961. He enlisted in the U.S Army Reserves in October of 1964 and served six years. Dan was a member of the Ravenna American Legion 297 and served many years as part of their honor guard. He also was a member of the Ravenna Conservation Club, The Sons of the American Revolution, and several Genealogy Society’s in both Michigan and Arizona. Dan retired in 2007 as a mechanic from the City of Grand Rapids Motor Equipment Services. He also did volunteer work in Arizona for Hospice of the Valley and Sun Health Thrift. Dan was a member of the Sun City Arizona Metal Club, Silver Club, and Michigan Friends Club. He was a beloved role model for family and friends. On January 29, 1966, he married the former Judith “Jude” Davis in Ravenna and she survives him along with two children: Joseph D. “Joe” (Jacqi) Ruch II of Walker, MI and Sarah M. (Brad Holtzlander) Ruch of Allendale, MI; 3 grandchildren: Elizabeth, Avery, and Danielle Ruch; Swedish son and daughter: Mikael Wenngren and Tina Rundstrom; brother, USAF Retired Donald (Dottie) Ruch of Pahrump, NV; three sisters: Elizabeth DeVries and Josephine Meyers both of Ravenna, and Mary Hayford of Muskegon; sister-in-law, Carole Ruch; brother-in-law, John Levandowski; 13 nieces 13 nephews. Dan was preceded in death by his brothers: Ed and Jerry Ruch and sisters: Ruth Cunningham Stiver and Gertie Levandowski. A CELEBRATION of Dan’s life will be held 1:00 PM Monday, December 5, 2022 at The Ravenna Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 3570 Thomas St., Ravenna, MI 49451 (231) 853-6511. VISITATION with the family will be held two hours prior to the celebration (11 AM – 1 PM). He will be laid to rest in Ravenna Twp. Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to the Ravenna Fire Department, the Ravenna Lions Club, or the Harbor Hospice Foundation. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com
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