He was the son of Carl and Wilhemina Ruge, and when a boy, moved with his parents, sisters and brothers to Will County, Illinois.
His wife, Anna, preceded him in death, 17 years ago, and two daughters died in infancy, as did a son at the age of 11.
Feeling the loneliness of a childless home, they took a nephew, Otto L. Meyer, to live with them.
Through all the years, especially after the passing of his wife, he was given every loving care, especially when he entered the sunset of his early pilgrimage, not alone from his nephew and wife, but great nieces as well and kindly neighbors. He was affectionately called Uncle Herman.
Surviving besides his nephew and family of Chicago Heights, is one sister, Mrs. Alvina Knuth, two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Sophie Page of Beecher and Mrs. Pearl Ruge of Lowell, and brother-in-law and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Meyer of Chicago; also a host of other nieces and nephews including the three Ruge brothers and Edwin H. Meyer of the Lowell area, and Herman F. Meyer of Grant Park.
Mr. Ruge was engaged in farming the early part of his married life, then was in business in Lowell for 4 years, operating the Red Front General Merchandise store. When he retired he moved to Beecher, where he was trustee of the Evangelical & Reformed church for many years and president of the village board for 8 years.
He always took an active interest in church and civic affairs and his love of children was a remarkable virtue.
Funeral services were held from St. Luke's Evangelical and Reformed church in Beecher, Rev. Ottes officiating, with burial in St. John's E. & R. cemetery under the direction of Hack's Funeral Home.
Go to Herman Ruge, "Pioneer History Index," for further information.
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