MARTIN RUGE

The family of Rev. Martin Emil Ruge, Jr., 94, wish to share that their father peacefully passed into the kingdom of heaven on May 27th, 2025. Marty was born on May 2nd, 1931, in Kenosha, WI, as the second child and high-energy only son of Lila and Martin Ruge, Sr.

Marty served four years in the United States Navy during the Korean War. It was during this time that his life took a life-changing turn when he met the love of his life, Lola Marquardt, on a blind date. It was through Lola that Marty returned to the church and found his calling to become a minister. Following his discharge from the Navy, Marty worked full-time as he attended college and ultimately, seminary school. Once ordained, Marty served ELCA churches in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Marty possessed many interests, including a passion for tap dancing, which continued throughout his life.

Marty and Lola were married on July 1st, 1956. They happily celebrated 68 years of marriage, which included joyfully parenting their four boys. Martin is survived by his sons: Mark (Mary), Paul (Margaret), Philip (Lori Ruge-Jones) and Andrew (Lisa MacVittie); grandchildren: Timothy (Kate), Max (Elaine), Mia, Katherine, Luisa, Lucas (Alexis), Jacob and Nicholas; great-grandchildren: Cole, Carson, Abigail and Delphina; his sister, Peggy (Bob Justus) Unger; many nieces, nephews and special friend to Lola and Marty, Angela Dumitrescu. Martin was preceded in death by his wife, Lola; his parents, Lila and Martin; and his sister, Wanda.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 28, 2025, at First English Lutheran Church, 1013 Minnesota St., Oshkosh, WI. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Interment to follow in Riverside Cemetery, Appleton.

Memorials may be sent to the We See You Foundation (weseeyoufoundation.org), a non-profit serving homelessness founded by his grandson Nick, or First English Lutheran Church, Oshkosh, WI.