Obituary of Richard John Ruegg

Funeral Services for Richard John Ruegg of Denver, CO will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 28, 2017 at the Elsberry United Methodist Church in Elsberry, MO. Rev. Paul Garven, church pastor, will officiate with burial in the Elsberry City Cemetery. Mr. Ruegg, 86, passed away early Friday morning, April 14, 2017 at University of Colorado Hospital at Aurora in Aurora, CO. Born April 15, 1930 in St. Louis, MO, he was the son of Walter E. and Alvina Salat Ruegg. Richard was a 1949 graduate of Beaumont High School in St. Louis. Hewas united in marriage on June 18, 1950 in St. Louis to Betty June Marling. This union was blessed with one son, Robert. Richard served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from October 6, 1952 until he was honorably discharged on October 6, 1954 as a Tech Coporal. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Southeast Missouri State University in 1960. Richard and Betty lived in Independence, MO from May 1961 until August 1982 when they moved to Denver. Richard worked as an Agent and Claims Investigator for Aetna Life and Casualty Insurance in Kansas City, MO and Denver, retiring in October 1992 after 32 years of employment. Richard was a life member of Independence Conboy-Nichols American Legion Post #340 in Sugar Creek, MO, having served as Adjutant and Commander. He was also a member of Elsberry American Legion Post #226, Vintage Thunderbird Clubs of America, and Rocky Mountain Thunderbird Club of Denver. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Alvina Ruegg; and three brothers: Charles N. Ruegg, Walter J. Ruegg and Ferd H. Ruegg. Survivors include his beloved wife of nearly 67 years, Betty Ruegg of Denver; and their son, Robert L. Ruegg, also of Denver. Richard also leaves two sisters-in-law: Mary L. Fortney-Smith of Indianapolis, IN and Kathy A. LaRue and her husband, Dan, of Dittmer, MO; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 28, 2017 at the Elsberry United Methodist Church in Elsberry. Memorials may be made to the Elsberry United Methodist Church (or) The Charity of the Donor’s Choice in care of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home, 107 S. 5th Street; Elsberry, MO 63343.