David Gene Ruhnke

POYNETTE - David Gene Ruhnke, age 83, passed away on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at his home in Poynette, Wisconsin. He was born on January 11,1938, in Chicago, Illinois, to Eugene and Selma Ruhnke. David graduated from Carl Schurz High School in Chicago. He served his country in the U.S. Navy for 16 years, the Wisconsin National Guard for five years, the Air Force Reserves for 13 years, and Earned Air Crew Wings from the U.S. Navy. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant. David was a Master Electrician and worked for many years with the electrical union in Chicago. After moving to Wisconsin, he owned and operated The Little Store in Harmony Grove. He was a member of Am-Vets in Florida, the Lodi Masonic Lodge #99, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Zor Shriners, and a lifetime member of the NRA. David had a variety of interests including traveling, tinkering in his garage, target practicing on his land, playing the organ, writing poems, and swimming in his pool. He was devoted to God, and he had a big heart for animals, dogs in particular. David is survived by his wife, Joann Hanaway; his children, Judy Ruhnke, Craig (Lainey) Friberg, Cheryl (Kevin) Keuler, and Scott (Jennifer) Friberg; daughter-in-law, Patricia Ruhnke; grandchildren, Michele (Chris) Phillips, Daniel (Char) Ruhnke, Hillary (Alex) Anthony, Jaime (Jimmy) Stewart, Zachary Friberg, Kayla Keuler, Summer (Addison) Czeck, Lisa (Ethan) Erickson, and Ryan (Jennifer) Ruhnke; 12 great-grandchildren; his dog, Buddy; and many lifelong friends whom he appreciated spending time with. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Ruhnke and Selma Liepelt; step-father, Leonard Liepelt; and two sons, Gene Ruhnke and David Ruhnke. We would like to thank Jim Wallace for his friendship and his help over the many, many years taking care of the “Back Achers” for dad while he was away traveling and also for keeping him in line! Friends and family are invited to a memorial service at GUNDERSON LODI FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 157 S. Main St., Lodi, WI, on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at 11:30 a.m. A celebration of life where family and friends can share memories of David’s life will be held at the AMERICAN LEGION POST 216, 167 S. Main Street, Lodi, WI, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. In lieu of memorials, donations made to the ASPCA, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, in David’s memory is appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Lodi Funeral & Cremation Care 157 S. Main St. (608) 592-3201