Racine – Rev. Charles A. Ruehle “Pastor Chuck”, age 68, passed away peacefully on Wednesday afternoon, June 1, 2016 at Hospice Alliance – Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie.
Pastor Chuck was born in Milwaukee on June 19, 1947 to the late Ralph and Mary (nee: Reiss) Ruehle. A graduate of South Division High School, he went on to earn his Bachelor and Master degrees from UW – Milwaukee and his Master of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary. Pastor Chuck proudly served our country as a drill sergeant in the Army Reserves. On January 24, 1970 in Ascension Lutheran Church – Milwaukee, he was united in marriage with Rev. Susan (nee: Heise) Ruehle.
Pastor Chuck has served as the co-director of Lutheran Human Relations, as a co-pastor of Reformation Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, and as the co-executive Director of Crossroads Anti-Racism Education and Organizing.
Among his interests, he enjoyed astronomy, pottery, iconography and film producing and especially teaching science in Tanzania. Pastor Chuck loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren – who lovingly called him “Opa”.
Surviving are his loving wife of 46 years, Rev. Susan Ruehle; their children, Yong (Chantha) Ruehle and Matthew (Amy) Ruehle; grandchildren, Angela, Gabrielle, Pele-Anni, Jukobi and Rebekah; brother, James (Chris) Ruehle; sisters-in-law, Kathryn (Richard) Williams and Linda Jane Heise; longtime friend and colleague, Robette Dias; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Pastor Chuck was preceded in death by Pastor Sue’s parents, Charles and Annabelle Heise.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 6, 2016 at 10:30 am in Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church, 1700 S. Green Bay Road, with Rev. Elias Kitoi Nasari and Bishop Jeffrey Barrow officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Sunday from 4:00 – 8:00 pm and in the church on Monday from 9:30 -10:30 am. Private interment will take place at Arlington Cemetery in Milwaukee. Memorials to “Astronomers Without Borders”, “Lutheran Church of the Redeemer” or to “Crossroads” have been suggested.
A heartfelt note of thanks to Wheaton Franciscan Medical Center 3B, Aurora Cancer Center, Dr. Michael P. Mullane, and Hospice Alliance for the compassionate care and support given in Pastor Chuck’s time of need. May God bless all of you.
Ellen Nuechterlein says
You died as you lived – with grace, dignity, acceptance, and peace – continuing into death as you lived your life, giving an example to those around you how to do things right. You have left an indelible mark not only on those who were privileged to know you, but in every single institution that you were a catalyst for change and will impact generations to come. You were a justice warrior. May you find peace that passes understanding as you continue your journey. I am a better person for having known you. Rest in Peace.
Melvin Hoover says
Rose and I send our love and support to all! May you feel our spirits join with you in the Celebration of Chucks Life.
He will long be remembered!
Anonymous says
R. James Addington & Cheryl Hood says
We join with the family, friends and colleagues of Churck and Sue in their grief on losing a dear one; and, we join in celebrating the unique life that Chuck fashioned, with gratitude for being part of his journey.
Wayne&Margaret Duris says
We are so sorry for your loss. We hope to pay our respects in person on Sat.Your friends in Christ,Wayne and Margaret
Thomas Kidd says
My deepest sympathies to the Ruehle & Heise families on the passing of Rev. Charles. Chuck was a kind and wonderful person and it was an honor to know him. God Speed
Don & Marcy Laude says
We were saddened to see that Chuck passed away. He seemed so good at tax time. Our prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow.