ROBERT R. RUHNKE
October 3, 1925 – August 5, 2012
 

Robert R. Ruhnke, age 86, a longtime Park Rapids, MN area resident, was peacefully delivered into God’s waiting arms on Sunday, August 5, 2012, while a patient at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND.
Bob was born on October 3, 1925 in Park Rapids, MN to Herbert and Neta (Zimbrick) Ruhnke. It was in Park Rapids that he completed his public education. As a young man, Bob entered the United States Navy, where he proudly served his country while stationed in Pearl Harbor during World War II (1944-1946). Following his honorable discharge, Bob returned home to Park Rapids, where he was united in marriage to Esther Lund on June 21, 1946. This union was blessed with three daughters: Pam, Becky and Jody. Over the years, the Ruhnke family made their home in Arizona, the Ponsford prairie, Walker, Osage and Park Rapids. His careers included plumber, head custodian at the Park Rapids High School, Sheriff of Hubbard County (1969-1974), and Chief of Police for the City of Walker (1975 through the early 1980’s). Bob was also active in his community. He was a longtime member of the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212 in Park Rapids, where he had served as commander. He also served for many years as a member of the Henrietta Township Board, and as a member of the Hubbard County Planning Commission. Bob enjoyed hunting, playing cards, raising begonias, picking blueberries and his annual trips to Arizona. He also thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also looked forward to his daily card games with brother, Gordon, until Gordy’s death in 2010. Bob was baptized, confirmed, married and died in his rededicated Lutheran faith.
He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters: Pam (John) Arneson of Shevlin, MN, Becky (John) Haaland of Sioux Falls, SD and Jody (Jeff) Johnson of Moorhead, MN; seven wonderful grandchildren: Troy (Melissa) Haaland of Sioux Falls, SD, Steffanie (Scott) Bristow of Pine River, MN, Robyn (Jeff) Kaufman of Humboldt, SD, Casey (Eric Seigel) Lusty of Moorhead, MN, Bethany (Ray) Skari of Grand Forks, ND, Justin Arneson of Lakeville, MN and Dustin (Amy Grove) Johnson of Moorhead, MN; eight great grandchildren; his sister, Lois (Robert) Scheerer of Edina, MN, two sisters-in-law, a host of nieces and nephews, as well as other relatives and many friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Esther (2004), and brother, Gordon (2010).
Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Saturday, August 11, 2012 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids, with the Reverend Steve Norby officiating. The organist will be Roz Pederson. Casket bearers will be all of Bob’s grandchildren. The honorary casket bearers will be former and present members of the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Department. A private family interment will be held at the Riverside Cemetery in Osage, MN at a later date. Military honors will be conducted by the Star of the North Marine Corps League. Following the service, a luncheon will be provided for all by Calvary Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM Friday at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.