Richard R. Ruff, obituary portrait — Ludvigsen Mortuary

In Loving Memory

Richard R. “Rich”Ruff

Date of Birth September 11, 1938
Passed Away On February 6, 2026
At Age 87 years
Resident of Fremont, NE
Army emblem — honoring military service
United States Veteran
United States Army
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Richard R. 'Rich' Ruff, age 87, of Fremont
Died Friday, February 6, 2026 at Dunklau Gardens in Fremont.

Richard was born September 11, 1938 in Fremont to Walter and Mamie 'Spies' Ruff. He graduated from Fremont High School in 1956. After high school he joined the U.S. Army. Richard lived in the Lashara/Woodcliff area and Fremont. Richard married Jeanne Hiemann in 1980 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont.

Rich was called a story teller, elf, peanut butter boy, superman, recycler, and cookie monster. He was in a camping club, loved his motorcycle trike and was an avid woodworker. Rich was also a member of the First Congregational Church, UCC in Fremont.

Survivors:
Wife – Jeanne
Daughters – Sharlene Elwood, Rochelle Ruff, Brenda (George) Depue and Gina Ruff
15 grandchildren
40 great grandchildren

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Yvette, grandson Josh Love, brothers Sam (Marilyn) Ruff, Larry (Donna) Ruff, sister Phyllis (Warren) Chrisman.

There will no viewing but the family will receive friends February 23, 2026 from 5-7pm at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel.

A memorial service will be held at 10am, February 24, 2026 at the First Congregational Church, UCC.

Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com

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Services

Visitation

Ludvigsen Mortuary - Fremont

1249 E. 23rd St.

Fremont, NE, 68025

February 23, 2026

With Family 5pm to 7pm

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Funeral Service

Memorial Service

First Congregational Church, Ucc

1550 North Broad Street

Fremont, NE, 68025

February 24, 2026

10:00 AM

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Condolences (4)

J
Jeffery S Spies Forsyth, MO February 19, 2026
"prayers for the family god bless"
M
Mike and Heather Sabatka Fremont, NE February 13, 2026
"Sharlene, so sorry to hear about your dad. Always had a "hi" and smile when we saw him. Hard worker and good guy. Prayers are with you.
Mike &Heather"
N
Nancy Schroeder Blair, NE February 12, 2026
"Dear Jeanie and family,
Was sad to hear of your loss. Remembering you in prayer as you mourn and celebrate Rich. He was one of the Good Guys. I enjoyed our coffee visits at church.
Sincerely,
Nancy Schroeder"
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