Carl F. Ruhe Sr.

Carl F. Ruhe Sr. age 90, passed away at 7:10pm Wednesday, March 3, 2004, in Parkway Manor in Marion.

The son of Ferdinard Henry and Nellie Catherine (WALTER) Ruhe. Carl was born, Dec. 22, 1913, in Pittsburg. He was united in marriage to Georgia E. Davis on Nov. 5, 1939, in Marion, together sharing the struggles and joys of the past 64 years. 

Answering the call of his country, he served in the Unites States Navy during World War II and was discharged in 1946. 

In his youth, Carl was a member of Zion United Church of God in Marion where he was confirmed in 1930. After graduating from high school in Marion he graduated from Brown Business College in St. Louis. In his early years he was a mechanic, which led to a position with Buick Motor Division in St. Louis as a sales representative. He later retired from Brick as a division customer service representative.  Moving from St. Louis to Van Buren, Mo., he owned and operated a Western Auto store and later retired after working as a teller for four years at the Carter County State Bank.

He was a 50 year member of Van Buren Masonic Lodge 509. Moving back to Southern Illinois, just north of Goreville, after retirement, he kept busy doing upholstery work. He loved gardening and enjoyed the game of golf for many years.

He loved his family and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Carl will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Georgia E. Ruhe of Marion; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Carl F. Ruhe Jr. of Goreville, Jim and Linda of De Soto; one granddaughter and her husband, Heather & Todd Hunt of Goreville; one grandson and his wife, Eric & Sarah Ruhe of Carterville; two great - granddaughters, Emily Hunt of Goreville, Joyanna Ruhe of Carterville; two step - grandsons, Jack Doan and his wife Karen of Carbondale,  Keith Doan and his wife Natalie of De Soto; one niece, Georgann Scalley and her husband John of Redwood City, Calif.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Edna E. Valentin, June 11, 2002; two brothers, George and Walter Ruhe; one half - brother, Edwin Ruhe; and his daughter-in-law, Joanna Campbell Ruhe, October 21, 1991.

Services will be held at 11:30am Saturday, March 6, 2004, in Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home in Marion, with the Rev. Kenneth D. Kramer officiating. Burial will follow in Cana Cemetery, north of Goreville. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 to 11:30am today. For those who prefer, Memorial contributions may be given to American Lung Association or Zion United Church of Christ. Contributions may be mailed to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home,   P. O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral Home.