Lazar T. Ruga, Jr., aged 93, of Rhineland passed away Saturday, December 28, 2024 at StoneBridge Senior Living in Hermann.
He was born in Valley Park on Dec. 21, 1931, a son of the late Helen (nee Schnur) & Lazar (Louie) Ruga. He was the husband of the late Delores Ruga (nee Schlatt). They were married on November 26, 1955 at St. Martin in Starkenburg.
Junior proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1952-1954 during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of St. George Catholic Church. He was a farmer for most of his life and drove a school bus for over 30 years.
Lazar is survived by five children, Anita Ruga of Rhineland; Beverly and husband Kevin McMeel of Cape Girardeau; Tom Ruga and wife Janet of Rhineland; Christine and husband John Rost of Broken Arrow, Okla.; Michelle and husband Kirby Kotthoff of Hermann; grandchildren, Brendan and Jacinda McMeel, Ben Ruga, Mikaela Ruga, Heather and husband Michael Means, Hannah and husband Alex Galvan, Emily and husband Matthew Hildebrand, Clarie and husband Tyler Kuhn and Maggie Kotthoff; one great-grandchild, Vivenne Means; and lifelong friend George Seper.
Lazar is preceded in death by his parents, his wife and three brothers, John, William and Nicholas Ruga.
Visitation and funeral mass were held at St. George Church on Dec. 31. Father Philip Niekamp officiated the services.
Interment followed at St. Martin's Cemetery in Starkenburg with full military honors. Memorials are requested to St. George Wall Fund or Disabled American Veterans.
