Johnie J. Ruhr, 96, of Atlantic, passed away Tuesday, July 1, 2014, at the Heritage House in Atlantic.

Johnie was born at home in Felton, Minnesota on June 16, 1918, to Henry and Mabel (LeFleur) Ruhr. He graduated from Atlantic High School in 1939. Following graduation he enlisted in the United States Army on September 17, 1941, and was stationed in Iceland. Johnie was later transferred to the United States Air Force and was stationed in England and France. He was discharged on September 8, 1945, with a rank of Corporal and received two Bronze Stars and a Good Conduct Medal.

On June 16, 1946, he married Nelda J. Knight at the Adair Presbyterian Church.

Johnie began working at Coast to Coast and later began farming with Carl Goeken and the Hunt family. In the years to follow he farmed on his own in Cumberland, Lewis, and Atlantic. In his forties he began working for the Iowa Department of Transportation in the Maintenance Department, and retired at the age of 65. His working days didn't stop though as he continued working as a handyman for the Cass County Fairgrounds.

At home, Johnie enjoyed TV, fishing, cards, and going to McDermott Auction. He was such a regular at McDermott Auction that they reserved the number 5 for him. His children and grandchildren also proved to be entertaining as they spent many hours attending music and sports activities. He also delivered Meals on Wheels for years. He was a faithful member of the United Church of Christ, and was active in the Lions Club.

Johnie said that his most impressive accomplishment in ninety-six years was being married to his wonderful wife, Nelda whom he was blessed with by God for sixty-eight years. The shared experiences, children, and grandchildren are proof of the love and devotion they had for each other.

Johnie is survived by his wife, Nelda of Atlantic; his children, Rita (the late Ron Utz) Utz of Olney, IL, Paul (Janet) Ruhr of Atlantic, Lori (Dallas) Paulsen of Atlantic, Kevin (Joann) Ruhr of Glenwood: 34 grandchildren, great and great-great grand children; and his nephew, Edwin Mathisen.

He is preceded in death by his parents; grandson's, Harley and Craig Ruhr; a sister, Cleo Mathisen; and son-in-law, Ron Utz.

Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, July 3, 2014, at the United Church Christ in Atlantic, with Pastor Nancy Jensen, officiating.

Interment will be in the Atlantic Cemetery.

Visitation with the family will be from 2 p.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the United Church of Christ.

The family suggests memorials to the United Church of Christ and the Heritage House.

Roland Funeral Service of Atlantic, Iowa is caring for Johnie's family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com


IN REMEMBRANCE OF

JOHNIE J. RUHR

BORN
June 16, 1918
Felton, Minnesota

ENTERED INTO REST
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
At the age of
96years, 15 days
Atlantic, Iowa

FUNERAL SERVICE
3:30 P.M., Thursday, July 3, 2014
United Church of Christ
Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIANT
Pastor Nancy Jensen

PIANIST
Jodi Greiner

HARPIST
“Amazing Grace”
Lydia Olson—Great-Granddaughter

DUET
“How Great Thou Art"
“On Eagles Wings”
Andy and Mindy Olsen—Grandson and his wife

CASKET BEARERS
Zane Utz
David Shoulders
Nick Paulsen
Nathan Paulsen
Kyle Ruhr
Andy Olson
Edwin Mathisen

INTERMENT
Atlantic Cemetery
Atlantic, Iowa

LUNCHEON
Johnie’s family invites friends & relatives to join them
for lunch in the Church Fellowship Hall following the committal service.


Memorials may be made to the United Church of Christ
or the Heritage House.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Johnie J. Ruhr, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.