Ralph H. Ruder

Ralph H. Ruder, 87, of Ashkum passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at his residence. He was born on February 28, 1935 in Chicago Heights, a son of Harold and Maude (Deutsche) Ruder. Ralph married Phyllis Ann Rosendahl on January 23, 1960 at St. Paul's in Monee and she preceded him in death on November 6, 2012. He was also preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Lois Heisner; one son-in-law, Steve Krones; and one grandson, Darin Krones.

Surviving are his children, Debbie Krones of Danforth, Scott (Dawn) Ruder of Lebanon, Indiana, Mike (Jennifer) Ruder of Martinton, and Donna (Jeff) Brandenburg of Camdenton, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Victoria (Andrew) Evangelista, Zachary (Mel) Ruder, Brenton (Kristen) Ruder, Megan Ruder, Emma Ruder, Issac Ruder, Tayler (Cassidy Holderman) Layne, Carson (Brooke Turner) Layne; and three great-grandchildren, Eliza and Noah Ruder and Levi Layne.

Ralph was a member of the Zion United Church of Christ in Gilman, where he was a former Church Council Member and played on the church Dartball Team. He was a Dairy Farmer in Monee from 1960-1974, then farmed in the Ashkum area from 1974 to the present. Ralph enjoyed farming and collecting tractors. He loved to dance the Polka, Square Dance, softball and basketball. Ralph was a Cubs fan who especially loved to watch his grandkids play sports.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 19, 2022 at the Zion United Church of Christ in Gilman with Rev. Dr. Carol Lange officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Gilman with Graveside Military Rites by the Gilman American Legion Post 499. Visitation will be two hours prior beginning at 9:00 a.m. also at the church.

Memorials may be given to the Zion United Church of Christ or to Uplifted Care.

Arrangements are being handled by the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.

Please share a memory of Ralph at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.