Richard E. "Rich" Ruel's Obituary
Richard “Rich” Eugene Ruel went home to his Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at the age of 71 in Muskegon, Michigan. Rich was born on November 23, 1948 to Eugene Ruel and Helen (Welch) Ruel. Rich graduated from Muskegon High School in 1968. Upon graduation, Rich enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served in Vietnam. Rich married Jay Bird Brady on May 19, 1973 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Muskegon. Rich enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1972, retiring in 1982 at S. Coast Guard Station, Duluth, Minnesota in 1981. Richard graduated from Muskegon Community College in May, 1985 with an Associates of Arts in History. Rich is survived by his wife, Jay Ann Ruel; daughter, Brandy Lynn (Dan) Thomas; his son, Richard E. (Julie) Ruel, Jr.; 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; 1 niece, Jamie Lynn (Mort) Lorenz-Loss. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Gabrielle Lynn Ruel, his parents, and 1 sister, Jane F. Ruel. Visitation will held 5-8 PM Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at The Walburn Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 1547 W Sherman Blvd, Muskegon, MI 49441. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (150 E. Summit, Muskegon Heights, MI 49444) with the Rev. Fr. Douglas A. Braun, JCL, presiding. Full Military Honors will be offered by the Muskegon County Council of Veterans of Foreign Wars and the U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard. A private burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery Thursday, February 6, 2020 in Muskegon, Michigan. Donations in Richard’s memory may be given to Operation Blacksheep at www.opblacksheep.org or to De Colores En Cristo at www.decoloresencristo.org. Sign the guestbook online at www.sytsemafh.com
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