Jack V. Ruger

Jack V. Ruger, age 88, of Hamilton Lake and formerly of Garrett passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at the Laurels of DeKalb Nursing Home in Butler.

He was born on February 28, 1932 in Payne, Ohio to Raymond and Helen (Burk) Ruger.  Jack was a 1950 graduate of Antwerp High School in Antwerp, Ohio. 

Mr. Ruger honorably served his country as a staff sergeant in the United States Air Force working as an airplane electrician during the Korean War. 

He married Retha Bloom on March 29, 1958 in Garrett.  She preceded him in death on June 30, 2008.  He married Dorothy Mohr on March 15, 2009 in Weslaco, Texas.

Mr. Ruger worked for International Harvester in Fort Wayne for 30 years retiring in 1980.  After his retirement, Jack was a DeKalb County farmer until 2008.  After Jack finished farming he stayed busy and productive working in wild life habitat planting and wet land restoration.  In 1998 he was the president of the Indiana State Soil Conservation Board.  Prior to that, from 1986 until 1997 Jack served as a DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor.  He also served as the past president of Pheasants Forever, of which he was an active member.  He was active in the DeKalb County Democratic Party serving as precinct committeeman.  Jack loved helping at St. Martin's Healthcare clinic with events, bringing in meals for the volunteers and he especially liked bringing in his homemade ice cream.  

He as a longtime member of the Cedar Creek Church of the Brethren in Garrett.  He enjoyed being outside fishing, hunting and he always had a huge garden that he enjoyed sharing with family and friends.  He loved to travel.  He has been to many countries and most of the states in this great country.  He and Retha enjoyed traveling in their motorhome and they wintered in Weslaco, Texas.  In Texas he loved cooking breakfast for others and he would take blankets and food into Mexico for those less fortunate.  After Retha passed away, he and Dorothy enjoyed their winters in Florida and recently enjoyed their time on Hamilton Lake.  Most important to Jack was his family, especially spending time with his grandkids.    

Survivors include: 

His wife; Dorothy Ruger of Hamilton Lake.

Daughter and son-in-law; Tammy and Tom Stafford of Hamilton Lake.

Son and daughter-in-law; Brent and Debi Ruger of Golden Lake.

Son and daughter-in-law; Terry and Glenda Mohr of Ottawa, Kansas.

Daughter and son-in-law; Connie and Tommy Thompson of Healdton, Oklahoma.

Daughter; Robin Weems of Lake Quivira, Kansas.

Son; Greg Mohr of Princeton, Kansas.

3 grandchildren; Jacob Stafford (Jordan Marckel) of Cincinnati, Ohio, Rachel Stafford (Kelsey Fraley) of Indianapolis and Nick Stafford (Brittany Cubio) of Indianapolis.

Dorothy’s 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Sister and brother-in-law; Carolyn and David Wolfe of Lupton, Michigan.

Brother-in-law; Ron Etzler of Payne, Ohio.

Many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife; Retha Ruger, 2 infant children; Deanna and Joel, 2 brothers; Earl Ruger and Kenny Ruger, sister; Marilyn Etzler, nephew; Mike Lee, brother-in-law; Harold Lee and sister-in-law and brother-in-law; Gordon and Marlene Bloom.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2021 from 2:00 to 7:00 PM at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 South Center Street in Auburn. 

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 29, 2021 at the Feller and Clark Funeral Home in Auburn with Pastor Brad Hardesty officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Martin's Healthcare, 1359 South Randolph Street, Garrett, Indiana 46738.

Per the Governor Holcomb’s mandate, face coverings and social distancing will be required.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.fellerandclark.com and on our Facebook page at Feller and Clark Funeral Homes.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Feller and Clark Funeral Home in Auburn.