Charles Neil Ruby

Charles Neil Ruby, age 83, of Mauston, WI went home to be with his Lord on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. He was born in VanDyke Michigan on April 17, 1939 to Raymond and Margaret (Brown) Ruby. Chuck married the love of his life, Esther Chapman on May 2, 1959 in Clare, MI. He graduated from Clare High School in 1956 and received a bachelor's degree in Business Agriculture from Michigan State University in 1960. He joined the Army through the ROTC Program and upon completing his training continued in the Army through the National Guard for several years.

He began his career with Farm Credit (formerly Production Credit Association) in 1960, opening the new office in Alpena, Michigan shortly thereafter. He later worked for Alpena Savings Bank for a number of years, before returning to Farm Credit until the time of his retirement in 2001.

Charles was an active church member wherever they lived, serving as Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher and leading Junior Church with Esther, where he often performed magic tricks with moral lessons as a reward for good behavior. He was currently a member of Walnut Hill Bible Church.

Before his health declined, Chuck enjoyed working in his shop and on other carpentry and remodeling projects. He and Esther especially liked to find discarded chairs (called their early morning collection) and then fixing them up to be given away or sold at their next garage sale. They also spent many hours caring and being entertained by their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which gave Chuck endless stories to share of their antics.

Chuck is survived by his wife Esther, Daughter Kathy (Mark) Brandel, Son J Scott (Sarah), Daughter Melanie (Christopher) Sommerfield and by grandchildren Jeffrey Ruby (Lauren), Anita Nielsen, Aimee (Nicholas) Steinbrink, Alexander (Lindsey) Brandel, Mikayla Faivre, Megan Faivre and Mason Faivre. Brothers, Irvin (Jan) Ruby and James (Louise) Ruby. Great-grandchildren Eva Nielsen, Elsa Nielsen, Jack Nielsen, Hayden Steinbrink, Jordan Steinbrink, Logan Steinbrink, Leigham Becerra, Benson Brandel and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by his parents, a stillborn child and his brother, Larry.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 20, 2022 at Walnut Hill Bible Church with Pastor Dan Gunderson officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery. The Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home is assisting the family.