Matthew Henke Ruge was born on February second, 1997, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to proud parents Sean Ruge and Christi Henke. Even as a baby, he already showed signs of ‘perfecting the art of kindness’ …he was happy and a joy to everyone around him. After a couple of years in Massachusetts, Sean, Christi, Matt and little sister Hannah relocated to Read’s Landing, MN in time for Matt to develop the best Minne-soooota accent in the state! Growing up on the bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, Matt quickly became a lifelong outdoorsman; spending days hunting, fishing, kayaking, and hiking the woods around Wabasha. He also made lifelong friends throughout the community, becoming one of the most well liked and happy-go-lucky kids around. He wouldn’t hesitate to drop what he was doing to help a friend or neighbor in need. Unknown to most, he battled serious health issues associated with Crohn’s Disease throughout his childhood and early adulthood, but he remained cheery and upbeat always and finally gained the upper hand over a difficult, persistent medical condition. Which makes his accomplishments even more inspiring to those who knew him.
Matt played youth hockey, was on the school’s golf and sport shooting teams and despite his medical challenges, his pluck and determination carried him through, and he was a great team player, the ‘glue guy’, that made everyone around him better. These valuable personality traits later helped him become a skilled police officer and teammate. He didn’t like being the center of attention, but was a rock and foundation for those around him.
Matt was proud of his grades in school, and also a fast learner…making him one of those students who could quickly produce a school project or paper and absorb information with seemingly little effort, sometimes just to frustrate his little sister Hannah and closest classmates! It’s not surprising to his family and friends that he earned his nickname Matt ‘The Book’ Ruge at work…because he absorbed the books and procedures directly into his brain.
Matt from the earliest age wanted to help and protect people and serve his country, considering first a career in the military, but could not enlist because of his medical condition. However, he found his true calling as a police officer, becoming an even greater force for good in the world. He said he wanted to be there for people when they were having the worst day of their life, and help them overcome it. But those of us who knew him best also knew that Matt would often let his mischievous sense of humor free. Not only was he good for a laugh, but he could defuse a tense situation with humor. Matt loved spending time with family, friends, and his dog Ranger. Matt was always prepared for anything and would often say, “it’s practical and that’s what makes it cool.” He believed that there wasn’t anything that couldn’t be fixed with the duct tape rolled on a card, paracord, lighter and knife he carried with him everywhere “just in case.”
Matt graduated from the Wabasha-Kellogg High School, Class of 2015, where he was awarded the Falcon Award for good sportsmanship and the Shawn Schneider Memorial Scholarship for law enforcement careers. Later on, after joining the Burnsville Police Department, he was the recipient of the Life Saving Medal. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from his Law Enforcement program at Mankato State. He also was a trained hostage negotiator and evidence officer.
Matthew Henke Ruge is someone who is rare in this world…a true hero. He was proud to call his fellow officers at the Burnsville Police Department his true brothers and sisters. He did not hesitate to risk himself to save others and found a true calling for his life. He was part of the solution…not part of the problem. He is the light of our lives…he is already greatly missed, but will be with us always. And he will continue to inspire us to be kind and make the world better every day. Please continue to pray for us and all of the grieving families, friends, and especially the incredible law enforcement and first responder community.
