MADISON - James J. “Jim” Ruhland, age 80, of Madison, Wis., found eternal peace on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Sylvan Crossings Memory Care Facility in Fitchburg, Wis.

James was born on March 29, 1944, in Plain, Wis., the second oldest of 10 children to the late John and Florentine "Flo" (Heiser) Ruhland. He married Susan T. Hippler on January 2, 1971, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Baraboo, Wis. Jim worked in the auto parts business for most of his life, starting as a salesman at GTC Auto Parts in Madison and then purchasing Prairie Auto Parts in Sun Prairie, Wis., in September of 1979. After "retiring" and selling the store in November of 2003 he continued in the parts department for Zimbrick Volkswagen.

Jim loved all sports especially the Wisconsin Badgers and attended many hockey, basketball and football games. He was always up for a good game of Euchre or Sheepshead, and you could often find him playing a slot machine at Ho-Chunk or having coffee with his buddies at Cottage Café. Jim was a member and usher at St. Bernard's Catholic Church and later St. Dennis Catholic Church.

Jim is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sue of Madison; two children, Amy (Michael) Dolata of Muskego and Brent (Megan) of Monona; four grandchildren, Presley Dolata (13), Etta (9), Everett (8) and Berit (5) Ruhland of Monona; brother, Marv (Kathy); seven sisters, Donna Hussin, Shirley (Bill) Bremer, Karen (Jim) Krey, Jean (Ron) Giese, Julie (Michael) Carr, Sheila Ruhland and Mary Ruhland; uncle, Ralph (Pat) Ruhland; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, David in 1952; father, John in 2006; and mother, Flo in 2015.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024, with Father Michael Resop presiding. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens in Madison. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jim's name to Agrace HospiceCare (www.agrace.org). The family would like to thank Sylvan Memory Care in Fitchburg and Agrace HospiceCare for the kindness and care given to Jim over the past several months.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

James J. Ruhland

March 29, 1944 - November 02, 2024

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