Kenneth M. Ruder, Janesville, WI (1949-2014)

October 31, 2014

January 13, 1949 - October 25, 2014

Kenneth M. Ruder, age 65, most recently of Janesville, died unexpectedly Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014, at Mercy Hospital & Trauma Center. He was born Jan. 13, 1949, in Plainville, KS, the son of the late Alfred and Gloria (Snyder) Ruder. After graduating from high school in Plainville, Ken moved to Denver, CO, where he worked at a Chaparral for 18 years, starting as a janitor, and leaving as their plant manager. On Oct. 9, 1987, he married the former Kerri A. Timm in Tyler, TX. Following Denver, he lived in Wisconsin. Texas, and Pennsylvania, before retiring and returning to Wisconsin, to spend time with his daughter and her family. His passion for design lead him to start his own business as a specialized machine manufacturer. He loved creating with metal and his mind was always thinking, "how can I make that better?" Ken wanted people to think he was tough, but when it came to family and friends, he was a deeply loving softie! He would do anything for his family and friends, asking for nothing in return. Ken was a man who loved life and made up his own set of rules! He was an "all or nothing" kind of person who didn't believe in the word "can't"! His hobbies were fishing and reading, he loved talking and laughing with his family on the phone; and he wouldn't text, but he loved to e-mail!

Ken passed away peacefully with his loved ones around him. He would not want us to mourn him, so we will cherish all the crazy things he had said and did throughout his life and smile when we think of him, knowing in our hearts that truly "he did it his way"!

Ken is survived by his wife, Kerri; his daughter, Heather (Ryan) Holbrook, both of Janesville; his step-mother, Iola Ruder of Hays, KS; his six siblings: Dave (Pat) Ruder of Canyon City, CO, Steve (Linda) Ruder, Tim (Debbie) Ruder, both of Hays, KS, Cindy (Dave) Fernz of Augusta, KS, John (Karla) Ruder of Plainville, KS, and Dianne (Steve) Reichard also of Augusta, KS; his 14 grandchildren: R.J. (Taylor), Ashley, Cody, Dmerius, Lashundra. Lateisha, Barkeis, Jaquela, Shelly, Violet, Zaria, Keshun, Alfonso, and Juelz; his three beloved great-grandchildren: Ayden, Jayceon, and Ryan III; and by many nieces, nephews, and friends. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Jeremy; and a brother, Jeff Ruder.

As per Ken's wishes, private family services have been held.

Whitcomb-Lynch Funeral Home & Cremation Services

21 S. Austin Rd., (608)752-2444