Joseph Ruman

Family and friends will meet on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Warren Funeral Home, 1475 N Cemetery Road to celebrate the life of Joe Ruman. Visitation will take place from 11AM-1PM, funeral services at 1PM.

Joe was born on a chilly January 27th, 1954. He was the firstborn to Peter and Mary (nee Wohnhas), and would later be joined by his sister Jeannie (Martin). He was a true son of Ohio, living in Akron, Coshocton, Columbus, Hudson, and back to Columbus where he proudly attended The Ohio State. Go Bucks!

After college, he moved to Milwaukee and met his wife, Pat (nee Flanner), at Ashland Chemical. They recently celebrated their 40 year anniversary. Together they had four children: Cate (Tim), Tess (Grant), Elizabeth, and Christopher (Christine). Joe loved his kids and was proud of each individual for their strengths and unique personalities. His love only continued to grow with the birth of grandchildren: Isaac, Tilly, Cooper, Wesley, and Jacob. 

Joe loved to share his hobbies and excitement for life with others. He was known for his intelligence and love of learning. He was always up for a good conversation and the opportunity to tell his best ‘Dad joke’. If you asked him about a topic he would gladly share what he knew and would try to learn what you knew. And if he didn’t know, he would go through the depths of the internet to learn more. He also had a passion for a good debate. Through the years there may have been differences of opinions but he would encourage additional conversation. He would push you to think more deeply about your opinion. 

He loved history, from the fall of the Roman Empire to World War II. He spent countless hours watching documentaries. He had a passion for rockets and trains, both model HO and real life. He shared his knowledge and joy of chess by playing many, many games with his kids and nephews- he even lost a few! 

But his true love language was cooking for others. As his kids grew older he would make containers and containers of food, whether you wanted them or not, to share with friends and family. He was known to make a new recipe exactly as written and then cook it several more times with modifications until it reached his standard. The phrase, “it's a new recipe”, still causes a shudder to his family; however, many of his recipes were successful and will be enjoyed for years to come. 

He lived his life as fairly as he could, by taking only what he needed and giving the rest to others. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Joe’s name to the Northern Illinois Food Bank to continue his legacy of showing love to those who are hungry. 

Upon reading the weather report on Friday, he decided he did not want to experience another polar vortex. He peacefully passed on Saturday, January 18th, 2025.