RUF - Herman (Herb) age 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 28, 2013, at the Cypress Regional Hospital, Swift Current, SK. Herb was born on November 5, 1926, on the farm in the Prairie View area, to David & Margaretta Ruf. He was the second youngest of eleven children. He worked for his brother, Jake, at the Prairie View Store, until he purchased the store with his brother, Adam, in January of 1954. Herb married Joyce Wittman on November 8, 1953 and together they adopted 2 children, Lorelei and Jeff. He was a wonderful husband and father. With an interest in electronics, he took a television course, moved to Waldeck, and opened Herb’s Electric. Farming was always in his heart, and he went back farming full-time in the late 1970’s. when he retired from farming, he still kept up his garden, grape vines and fruit trees, until this year. Although his memory was failing, until recently he could pick up his violin and play. Music was always a very big part of his life. A schemer and a practical joker were his well known traits. He loved to pull a fast one. Herb enjoyed going to church on Sundays and out to lunch with friends. Herb is survived by his wife, Joyce; daughter, Lorelei (Howard); son, Jeff; grandchildren, Kim (Lyndon), Krystal; great-grandchildren, Kohl and Aspen; sisters-in-law, Antolena and Lorna; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, David & Margaretta; his brothers and sisters, Dave, Rosalie (in childhood), Jake, Rose, Henry, William, Sam, Adam, Albert (in infancy) and Karl; his parents-in-law, Fred & Martha Wittman; in-laws, Herman Beisel, Anne, June, Emma, Luella and Vi Ruf; nieces, Elaine Smith and Eunice & Don Robertson; and by a nephew-in-law, Bruno Miller. Herb will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
The Funeral Service was held on Friday, January 3, 2014 at 1:00 pm from the Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Brad Julien officiating. The pianist for the service was Barb Mirau with special music brought by Pete & Leona Braun singing, “Jesus Will Lead Me” and “When I Thank Him for What He Has Done”. “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and “Precious Memories” were sung by the congregation. The ushers in the church were Douglas Ruf, Larry Belter and Doug Robertson. The Interment Service was held at the Peace Lutheran Cemetery, Prairie View, SK with the following nephews serving as pallbearers, Bob Ruf, Mike Ruf, Dave Ruf, Steve Ruf, Roger Ruf and Brent Wittman. In memory of Herb Ruf, donations made to the Alzheimer’s Society or to the Peace Lutheran Cemetery Fund would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK. For further information or to sign the Family Book of Condolences, please go to swiftcurrentfuneralhome.com