Manuel L. Ruf

Dec. 3, 1921 - July 25, 2009

WILSONVILLE -- Manuel Leroy Ruf, died Saturday, July 25, 2009, in Furnas County at the age of 87.

He was born Dec. 3, 1921, in Red Willow County, the son of the late Henry and Anna Marie (Amen) Ruf Sr. He grew up on the family farm south of Cambridge and graduated from Lebanon High School.

He entered the U.S. Army in 1944, serving with the 96th Infantry in the Pacific Theater where he received the Purple Heart during World War II. Following his discharge from the service in 1946, he returned to the family farm, where he spent the remainder of his life.

On June 6, 1948, Manuel married Margalee Alice Lyons and they celebrated 61 years of marriage.

He was a life-member of the VFW and the American Legion, an original member of the Furnas County Livestock Feeder Association and a past member of the Hendley Elevator Cooperative Board, Cambridge Cooperative Board and Farm Credit Bureau. Manuel also served on the PCA board of directors.

In April of 2009, he enjoyed a trip on the Heartland Honor Flight to Washington D.C., to view the World War II Memorial.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three grandchildren, Paul Kolman and Rachael Fredricks and the infant son of David and Margaret Ruf; sisters, Leah Lomax, Lydia Ruf and Esther Meader and brothers, Henry Ruf Jr., and John Ruf.

Manuel is survived by his wife, Margalee Ruf of Wilsonville; daughters, Patricia Brashears and husband, Charles of Kearney, Deanna Hankins and husband, Mark of McCook, Nancy VanDuyne of Salina, Kan., Danette Fanders and husband, Gary of Beatrice, Cynthia Bolin and husband, Jeff of Albion, Tammy Solomon and husband, Rex of McCook and Claudia Fredricks and husband, Rick of Alda; sons, David Ruf and wife, Margaret of Wilsonville and Danny Ruf of Wilsonville; grandchildren, Ami Hauxwell, Carey Rohr, Mary Ann Sides, Heath Ruf, Ella Pachta, Tina Kolman, Jenny Rezak, Megan Hankins, Billy Bolin, Bobby Bolin, Brooke Bolin, Barrett Solomon, Cheney Solomon, Matthew Fredricks and Jared Fredricks; five sisters, Katherine Attebury, Ruby Slavens, Ramona Fisher, Margie Hunter and Annie Baughman; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 29, 2009, at Herrmann Memorial Chapel in McCook with Bill Weaver officiating. Interment with military honors will be in the Wilsonville Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in his name and visitation will be Tuesday from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., at the funeral home.

Herrmann Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.