John E. Ruge

John E. Ruge, 57, of Springfield died at 12:26 p.m. on Thursday, January 10, 2008 at Memorial Medical Center Emergency Room. John was born November 3, 1950 in Chicago, the son of John D. and Rosalie Houston Ruge. John graduated from Sangamon State University (now UIS) with a Bachelor's degree in political science. He was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church where he had served as an usher, a Eucharistic minister, and maintained the candles in the sanctuary for many years. He was also a member of the Serra Club of the Springfield Diocese and Knights of Columbus Council #4175. He loved to watch movies and use short wave radio. He was an avid Rush Limbaugh, Fox News, and the University of Illinois fan and enjoyed debating with friends and family. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Margaret "Peg" Crocker. He is survived by one sister: Florence Marie (husband, James) Agnew of Ridley Park, PA; one nephew; several 2nd cousins and many friends. Family will receive friends from 4:30-6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 17, 2008 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church with Rev. Mark Schulte celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Serra Club, 2525 Delaware, Springfield, IL 62702, or to St. John's Hospital, Foundation Office, 800 E. Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62702.