Kenneth Richard Ruether

Kenneth (Ken) R. Ruether, 78, passed away April 2, 2025 after a Valiant 23-year fight with Parkinson’s Disease. He was residing at Baldomero Lopez Florida State Veterans Home, Land ‘O Lakes, FL. He was born November 5, 1946 in Wausau, WI, the son of Raymond Ruether and Anna Pleier.

Ken loved to travel with airplanes, cars, and motorcycles. His favorite trip was the Honor Flight in 2018. He was an avid vendor at flea markets and fairs. He also liked playing roulette at casinos. Ken was a kind man with a ready smile and quiet, funny sense of humor. He was especially fond of his toys. He loved his Corvettes & Harleys the best.

Ken was a medic in the US Army and served in Vietnam where he was severely injured and eventually retired from the service.

Ken is survived by his longtime partner/wife Julie, Brooksville, FL, brother Roger, Bangor, MI, sisters: Mary Brown, Morehead, MN; Kathy Schmirler, Schofield, WI; Linda (Virgil) Heinrich, Tolstoy, SD; and Nancy (Danny) Barcroft, Burbank, WA, many nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews. Ken was extremely close to his stepdaughter, Barbara Rolen, Wausau, WI, his step granddaughters Gabrielle Revoir, Orlando, Fl and Desiree Revoir, Wausau, W, as well as his three closest friends Dave Neuman, Phil Eggen and Steve Nummi, all of the Wausau area.

Military Honors will be held at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL on April 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM.

Ken will be so missed; however, he has left so many wonderful memories for all of us to draw upon when sadness hits us.

He was preceded in death by his father Raymond, mother Anna Rockwell, brothers Phillip and Harold, aunt & uncle Wava & Carl Pleier.

A heartfelt thank you to the amazing staff at Baldomero Lopez Florida State Veterans Home. The staff was so attentive, had fun activities every day. Ken was so happy visiting the office staff and loved the great food.