Jean E. Ruege

Jean E. Ruege, 95, Gillett, went to be with her Lord and Saviour on Friday, December 23, 2022 at home surrounded by family.  She was born June 27, 1927 above the dime store in Gillett to Emil and Alma (Hanson) Goodman.  She grew up in Gillett and had to quit school at the age of 12 to help at home, following the death of her mother.

On June 5, 1948 she married Leonard Ruege at Trinity Lutheran Church in the Town of Maple Valley.  Jean lived in Gillett most of her life where she was once employed at the local canning factory and Gillett Plywood.  Along with her husband, they also owned and operated a family farm.  Following retirement, she worked at Yancy’s Restaurant for over 25 years before leaving at age 74.  Jean was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Gillett where she was active in the Ladies Aid.  She also volunteered in 4-H, Homemakers, Women’s Club and the Shawano and Green Bay Rosemaling Club, even traveling to Norway and Russia for classes.  Jean will be fondly remembered as an avid traveler, rosemaler, card player, dancer and Packer fan.  She enjoyed her grandchildren and watching their plays and various sporting events as well as annual trips to Florida and being with her many friends.  Jean will lovingly be remembered by all her family for the dedication, love and support she gave and her great cooking, especially meatloaf and kringle.

Survivors are her four children, Cheryl (David) Braun and Darrell (Jan) Ruege, all of Gillett; Debbie (Don) Peterson, Sobieski; Shelly Schaumberg, Pulaski; 11 grandchildren, Leslie (John) Block, Faye (Jesse) Witcraft, Phillip Braun and Peter (Paula) Braun; Brad, Kevin and Scott (Lydia) Ruege; Laura (Dan) Wicker and Kayla (Ryan) Boguski; Amanda (Matthew) Jump and Ashley (Brian) Tilleman;  13 great grandchildren, Logan and Derek Block; Mallory, Preston, Lucy and Margaret Braun; Liam, Noah and Emilia Jump; Kinsley and Walter Tilleman; Amara Boguski; Murphy Wicker.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband in 1981, one brother Arthur (Bertha) Goodman and son-in-law, Craig Schaumberg.

Visitation will be held 3:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, January 6, 2023 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Gillett.  Visitation will continue after 9:00 AM Saturday, January 7, 2023 at the church until the time of service.  Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Saturday at the church with Pastor Chris Byars officiating.  To view livestream of the funeral service on Saturday, go to church’s website: clockchurch.org.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls is serving the Ruege family.

The Ruege family would like to thank the ThedaCare Hospice team, especially Katie and Pastor Stuart for the care and concern shown Jean during their time together.