Roger Ruff, of Shakopee, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at the age of 59. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. Celebration of Life Service is Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM with visitation one-hour prior. All services will be held at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (833 S. Marschall Road) in Shakopee. Pastor Diana Hunstad will preside, and full military honors will be provided by the Shakopee Vets Honor Guard. Jason Black, Derrick Ruff, Jeremy Hughes, Scott Blom, Brian Blom & Terry Stang will act as pallbearers, and Roger will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
On November 23, 1963, Roger David Ruff was born to parents George and Janet ( Modriefsky) Ruff. He was the second of four kids and grew up in Le Center. As a boy, Roger loved helping his uncles on the family farm in Henderson.
He graduated from New Prague High School in 1982 and later enlisted in the United States Military. Roger started his 20-year Army career with a three-week deployment in Germany and then ended his service the same way with another three-week deployment in Germany. Throughout those 20 years, he saw much of the world during his time overseas in Korea, Germany, Italy and Japan. Later in life, Roger was a proud member of the Shakopee Vets Honor Guard and the American Legion where he held the position of Commander and Chaplain.
As a young man, Roger had a job in road construction which brought him all over Minnesota. It was during an assignment in Willmar that Roger met the love of his life at the local watering hole, Pool & Pub. At first, Cindy wasn’t too sure about this out-of-towner who kept showing up at her hangout, but she eventually warmed up to him. After a couple years of dating, they were married on October 13, 1990.
They immediately settled in Shakopee when Roger got a great job at Anchor Glass Container. They started a family and were blessed with four wonderful children, Tyler, Mike, Katie and Laura. As a family, the Ruffs loved hanging out at the pool, grilling on the deck, and enjoying the outdoors. They even attempted family camping several summers. Roger was so proud to pass on his love of deer hunting and ice fishing to the next generation.
Roger never missed the news, Wheel of Fortune or The Price Is Right. He loved playing board games or participating in a Euchre tournament. Roger kept a meticulous yard and an even better fish tank for his beloved goldfish. He was strong-willed, kind, out-going and always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Roger was at his happiest in Brian’s garage drinking a Budweiser. Although he had many hobbies and interests, nothing was more important to him than his family.
He will be remembered always by his loving wife, Cindy Ruff; children, Tyler Ruff, Michael (Sarah) Ruff, Kathryn Ruff and Laura Ruff; granddaughters, Ella Smith & Brynlee Ruff; sisters, Mary (Joe) Ceplecha and Nancy (Roger) Busse; other loving relatives and many dear friends.
Roger was greeted in Heaven by his parents, George & Janet Ruff; and his brother, Dennis Ruff.
