David "Dave" Rueger

David “Dave” Rueger, a beloved patriarch, United States Air Force veteran, professional business owner, and racehorse lover was born on January 4, 1934, to the late Edward and Emma (Lewis) Rueger. Dave was a part of a loving family and had 10 brothers and sisters. He graduated from Central High School. While enrolled at Central, he also attended Mechanic Arts School (North High School) and night classes at Evansville College (UE). After high school, Dave enlisted in the United States Air Force.

While stationed at Lockbourne Air Force Base in Columbus, Ohio, Dave met the love of his life, Dorothy. After they met, Dave became stationed at Thule Air Base in Greenland, and they wrote each other love letters while he was away. Dave married his true soulmate on May 4, 1957, in Columbus, Ohio. They continued to write each other notes and letters their whole marriage. He was a faithful and loving husband, and they had a bond that most can only dream of. Together, they raised three children: Jeff, Mindy, and Chris. To know him was to love him. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren so very much. He looked forward to their visits and hugs always. He had a delightful manner and loved to tease, make silly faces, and joke around. He was a truly happy man and appreciated the little things in life.

His favorite occasions were holidays that pulled the family together or summertime when family and friends would come together to swim in his pool. He always told everyone that visited that they were always welcome back, “but just don’t stay to long!” with the biggest grin on his face.

Christmas was his favorite holiday to decorate his home. He had an unforgettable Santa Claus that would dance and sing, and he couldn’t wait to set him up every year. When December rolled around, Dave would play Christmas music and dance around his living room with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A true business professional, Dave used his repair knowledge and agreeable personality to build two small businesses in Evansville. In 1956, he opened Davco, which started as a small appliance repair store but grew into the area’s best place to buy vacuum cleaners and sewing machines. He even opened a second location on the east side. In the 70’s he purchased, American Sanitary and developed that business into a well-known janitorial supply store. He was once asked what his favorite part about owning his own business was and he replied, “The people he met throughout the years and his amazing employees. Most days it didn’t feel like work.”

Dave had a love for Racehorses and even owned a decorated few. Visiting Ellis Park to spend an afternoon betting on the ponies was a favorite pastime of his. He taught his grandchildren how to read a racing program and as many of them got older and would visit the track, they could always call him and get his picks for the races that day.

David is survived by his brother: Donald Rueger, his children: Jeff (Lisa) Rueger, Mindy Rueger Hass, Chris Rueger; grandchildren: Dale Smith, Valarie (Shawn) Lewis, Katie Rueger Smith, Jessica (Nathan) Wildeman, Andrea Hillgoth, Logan (Calla) Hass; great grandchildren: Chloe, Sophie, Ady, Jackson, Harper, Millie, Charlotte, Carmi, Grace, Haley, Levi, and Madison.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy (Garrigan) Rueger, brothers: Edward, Robert and Kenneth Rueger, sisters: Dorothy Malone, Mary Schuble, Ruth Duncan, Polly Pugh, Lorene Rueger, and Francis Riecken, and grandson Benjamin Rueger.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Alexander North Chapel. Burial will follow in Locust Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, 2024 and from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Thursday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s, The Humane Society, or NAMI.

Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com.