GALE J. RUGG

May 2, 1938 — February 27, 2023

Posted

   SPARTA - Gale J. Rugg, 84, of Sparta, died Monday, February 27, 2023 at Rolling Hills Rehabilitation Center, Sparta. He was born on May 2, 1938 to Willard Victor and Evelyn (Berry) Rugg in Cataract.

   Gale attended Jenkins Valley School, near his home. He graduated from Sparta High School in 1956. From 1956 to 1960, Gale served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in San Diego, CA, Adak Alaska, and Japan until he was discharged. While stationed in Japan, he met Grenda Hole.

   They were married on February 25, 1961 at Richland Center Methodist Church. They lived in Racine and then moved to Sparta.  Gale worked as a letter carrier for over 30 years for the Sparta Post Office.  He retired in 1992.  He also worked at Ted Storandt gas station and other odd jobs.

   Gale was a member of United Methodist Church in Sparta.  He was an original member at Cataract Sportsman’s club. He was also active with Sparta Rod and Gun Club.  He was active in trap shooting for both clubs. He played baseball with the Cataract league in his 20’s. He volunteered at Southside Elementary School with making quilts and other projects with the grandkids.   Gale enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, baking, camping, and cheering on the Brewer’s and Packer’s.

He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Many nights spent at the back yard bonfires with the neighbors.

   Gale is survived by his wife, Grenda Rugg of Sparta; children, Annette Conley of Sparta, Sandy (Eric) Ender of Osseo, and Richard (Sheila) Rugg of Sparta; grandchildren, Emily (Danny) McGee of Osseo, Zachary (special friend, Megan) Ender of Elk Mound, Melanie (Matt) Hinz of Sparta, Mary (special friend, Josh) Rugg of La Crosse, and Charlie (special friend, Harley) Rugg of Sparta; great grandchildren, Oaklyn Rugg and Baby McGee (due in May); siblings, Darlene Guinn of Sparta, Carol (Dennis Fisher) Leis of Sparta, and Kenny (Ellen) Rugg of Cataract; sisters-in-law, Donna Rugg of Holmen and Verna Rugg of Cataract; and many other relatives and friends.

   He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard Victor and Evelyn Rugg; brothers, Allen and Donald Rugg; brothers-in-law, Harvey Leis and Jim Guinn.

   His high school quote was “Those who labor in earnest always accomplished their ends”

   A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 3, 2023 at United Methodist Church in Sparta with Reverend Loretta Waughtal officiating. Burial, with full military honors provided by VFW Post 2112 and American Legion Post 100 of Sparta, will be in Cataract Cemetery.

   A visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, and from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, at the church. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

   Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation