Wayne LeRoy Ruegsegger

WAYNE LEROY RUEGSEGGER

Wayne L. (Scotty) Ruegsegger, 95, entered the presence of his Heavenly Father on August 6, 2021.

He was born July 14, 1926, to Worthy and Harriet Ruegsegger in Brent Creek, Michigan. His youth was spent on their farm with 10 siblings until, at age 16, he followed the same path as 7 of the 8 brothers and enlisted in the military. He joined the Navy at age 16 and served for 2 years 9 months aboard the USS San Carlos in the Pacific Theatre as a Radioman Second Class. He married Carlene Brooks and they had a daughter, Pamela Sue Ann Ruegsegger (deceased 1965).

After a brief period as a truck driver, he entered the Air Force in 1947, and had a lengthy career in radio and radar as a Flight Check cPanel Operator. He loved flying.

Scotty married Marjorie (Midge) Johnson February 14, 1953, and they enjoyed a 66-year marriage until her homecoming in 2019. The couple had 2 children: Valerie Ruegsegger and Stephen Ruegsegger (Vicky) and a grandson, Scott Ruegsegger. Together the family travelled to Air Force Bases beginning from Honolulu, Hawaii to Warrington, England; Rantoul, Illinois; Warner Robbins, Georgia; the Philippine Islands; Newburgh, New York; and Lake Oswego, Oregon. There, Scotty made a change to Air Force Recruiting where he excelled until his discharge in the early 1970s. He achieved the rank of Senor Master Sergeant. A subsequent move to Olympia, Washington opened up equally satisfying lifework.

His education is a one-room schoolhouse in Montrose, Michigan was a springboard for lifelong learning. He obtained is G.E.D. and completed training for the service as well as various college classes. He possessed a good mind and an internal drive which served him well as he obtained licenses for insurance, real estate, notary public, and general contractor. He eventually began several businesses (Scotty & Associates, FSBOs Are Us, and All Insurance) and was active in the Lion’s Club for many years.

Scotty’s life has been characterized by honesty, a strong work ethic, loyalty and love for family and friends, generosity, independence, and humor. He took immense pleasure in helping people through his work; he wanted to provide “homes, not houses”. He saw many businesses acquaintances and customers become lifelong friends.

Scotty is survived by his two youngest children and family, and by his youngest brother, Robert Ruegsegger. For those who wish to honor his memory, remembrances are suggested to Habitat for Humanity and Emmanuel Bible Fellowship.