MADISON - Adam Forrest Ruff, age 55, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 3, 2026. He was born on August 9, 1971.

Adam was a man of remarkable intelligence, deep generosity, unexpected humor and endless curiosity. He was rarely still - happiest doing, making, learning, cooking, playing, tending, baking or wandering. At 6'2", he could cut an imposing figure, at least until a smile began to build. Then came the dimples, the light in his eyes and a deep and soft bass laugh that warmed those around. The formidable-looking man quickly gave way to the warm, quirky one underneath.

Adam was perhaps the ultimate Wisconsin man. He loved the Brewers and baseball, Milwaukee, meat cooked over a fire, a neatly mowed lawn, big pretzels, Christmas lights all year round, and the quiet cold of winter. Camping was one of his great joys, and for a man so often in motion, sitting around a fire was one of the places Adam could truly settle.

He loved road trips, watching landscapes unfold and discovering new places. That love began on childhood adventures with his grandparents, exploring the West with camper in tow, nurturing a lifelong curiosity about nature and history. Adam also cherished a lifetime of trips to Disney, each made better when he could share the experience with someone new. He loved the rides most of all, although Figment will forever be uniquely special to him.

Sharing what he loved with the people he loved was something Adam did especially well. He was extraordinarily generous; there was very little Adam had that he wasn't willing to share freely, with the possible exception of firewood. That generosity was woven through his nine years with his wife, Laura. He encouraged what brought her joy, made everyday life easier, and filled their years together with games, travel, laughter and the company of people they loved. Their marriage and the life they built together were among Laura's greatest joys.

Adam earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and graduated with honors from Lewis & Clark Law School with his Juris Doctor. He later passed the Wisconsin bar, an accomplishment of which he was enormously proud. Adam used his education to build a successful 26-year career in the insurance industry. Many of those years were with American Family in Madison where he ultimately served as a director. He had many professional accomplishments to be proud of, but what mattered to him most was the people he led. He took great pride in investing in their development, growth and advancement. Their successes mattered to him.

Adam is survived by his wife, Laura; his parents, Richard and Carol (Berg) Aird; sister, Amanda (Tim) Holian; brothers, Kevin and Kendall; in-laws, Charles and Virginia Gibson; brother-in-law, Matthew (Jodi) Gibson; sisters-in-law, Nicole (Patrick) Ederer and Maria Gibson; and his beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Kendall Ruff; paternal grandparents, Charles and Gladys Ruff; and maternal grandparents, Forrest and June Berg.

A funeral service will be held at LUTHER MEMORIAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1021 University Ave., Madison, at 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026. A visitation will be held at the church from 4 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

There is no tidy way to summarize a life, especially one filled with his many interests, ideas, adventures, people and plans still waiting to happen. Adam was a husband, son, brother, uncle, friend, leader, lawyer, traveler, fire builder, meat smoker, snow lover, game player and enthusiastic connoisseur of chocolate.

Most of all, he was Adam.

He loved generously. He encouraged wholeheartedly. He remained curious. He showed up for a new day. And he shared what he loved with the people he loved.

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

Gunderson Funeral
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Adam Forrest Ruff

August 09, 1971 - October 03, 2026

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