Eugene L. Ruka

"Gene"

September 22, 1934 – July 5, 2025

Eugene L. Ruka, “Gene”, of New Berlin, Wisconsin passed away on July 5, 2025, at Elizabeth Residence in New Berlin. He was born on September 22nd, 1934, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Peter Lawrence Ruka and Cecilia Plucinski Ruka.

Gene is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, “Jackie”, his children Greg (Jeannine) Ruka, Debbie (Jeffory) Klak, and Sandy (Jeffery) Parnau, grandchildren Nathan (the late Katie) Ruka, Eric (Sarah) Bates, Brandon Bates, Christian Ruka, Angie Fagan, and great-grandchildren Emily, Elizabeth, Brady, Olivia, Logan, and Zaria. He is further survived by sisters-in-law Geraldine (the late Bill), and Marie, “Bev”, nieces, nephews, step grandchildren, and other relatives and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law Leroy Buchholz and Helen Brem Buchholz, brother Gilbert Ruka, three sisters and their spouses: Pat (Louie), Jahnke, Dolores (Jerry) Randow, Judy (John) Rozwadowski and brother-in-law Leroy, “Butch” Buchholz.

Gene graduated from Bay View High School and shortly thereafter joined the military. A proud veteran, Gene served 6 years in the Army, based at Fort Lewis in Washington state. Gene was proud to have done his duty to serve our country.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, Gene started out as a systems analyst for Mobil Oil Corporation and when the company closed down its office in Milwaukee, Gene continued his career at Nordberg/Rexnord working his way up to a management position overseeing a team of analysts. His expertise in the industry, his empathy and good people skills made him a highly respected leader. He worked long hours, was always on call, and rolled up his sleeves to support his team whenever needed. Whether he needed to get up for work, vacations, or events Gene never used an alarm for anything ever; he took great pleasure in saying that he could tell himself what time he needed to wake up and he just did it.

Before joining the Army, Gene met the love of his life, Jackie, at a mutual friend’s wedding reception. The bar ran out of ice and when Gene overheard there was no ice for Jackie’s drink he gave her the ice from his drink. Ice cubes started a relationship that remained strong through 68 years of marriage. Gene made sure no one ever forgot the ice and loved sharing the story of how if it weren’t for ice he would not have had the wife, life and family he had. Gene was the ultimate provider, most devoted husband and dedicated family man. Gene wanted nothing for himself and everything for his family.

Gene loved music and had a great singing voice. He was moved by lyrics and was known to get emotional when hearing certain songs. No song moved him more than Polka Dots and Moonbeams, the song that meant so much to Gene and Jackie. It was “their” song.

Gene was a soft-spoken man and often a man of few words but had a great sense of humor. He had the ability to catch people by surprise with his quick wit and amusing comments. Then he would just grin his special grin with a twinkle in his eyes relishing he was making people smile or laugh.

Gene was a proud supporter of the local sports teams, the Green Bay Packers, the Milwaukee Brewers, the Wisconsin Badgers, and the Milwaukee Bucks.

For the last 14 months Gene made his home at Elizabeth Residence, first living at the Franklin location and once an opening became available, he moved to the New Berlin location so he could be closer in distance to his family. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the owners, staff and Gene’s friends at Elizabeth Residence and Badger Hospice for the compassionate care and support shown to Gene and his family.

Gene will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was unfailingly genuine and a true gentleman through and through.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at CHURCH AND CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME, 15250 W. National Avenue, New Berlin, WI from 11:00 AM until time of the Funeral Service at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lewy Body Dementia Association: https://www.lbda.org/donate/ 

or Parkinson’s Foundation: https://www.parkinson.org/?form=19983

Church & Chapel Funeral Service Serving the Family

Milw. 262-827-0659 Wauk. 262-549-0659

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