David was born in Lincoln, Nebraska in March 10, 1944 to John and Lydia Ruff who moved to Waverly when David was 2 years old. David grew up and spent most all his life in Waverly where his parents owned and operated a local grocery store. David enjoyed vacationing and camping with his brother Roger and parents. David attended Waverly Elementary and High School before studying history and physical education at Wesleyan University in Lincoln. He moved to Omaha, Colorado and then back to Waverly where he was employed by National Crane. It was there, the bowling alley and on the softball field that he found his love, Linda. They married on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, 1979 at Peace Lutheran Church in Waverly.
Dave was an active member of Peace Lutheran and Faith Lutheran Church over the course of his life. He enjoyed singing in the choir and quartet, was an elder and usher, and loved being a part of a men’s Bible study.
Everyone who knew Dave knew how much he loved the Yankees. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, camping and playing sports. He valued helping with his children’s sports, loved playing cribbage, pinochle and other card games, and traveled yearly to the National Women’s Bowling Tournaments throughout the United States to cheer on Linda and her bowling team.
Dave will always be remembered for his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone who came through the door. He loved joking around and being ornery with his buddies. There are so many great stories that came from his life and we hope they will continue to be told in the coming years.
Dave had three children and five grandchildren, Earl John (EJ) who resides in Spring, Texas. Karli (and Rob Hruska, Hudson-12 and Henry-9) of Lincoln, and Erin (and Curt Meister, Emmaline-7, William-6, Annalise-3) of Plover, Wisconsin.
Preceding him in death were his parents John and Lydia Ruff, and brother Roger Ruff. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren; sister-in-law Diane Ruff (Roger) and their daughters Christie (Fernandez) and Cathy Ruff (all of Dallas,Texas); along with his Mother in Law, Delores Wollenburg (Beatrice); 13 brother and sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation is planned for February 25th at 1:00 p.m.-3:00 pm at the Roper and Sons Funeral Home, 10851 N 148th Street in Waverly. The funeral will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 8701 Adams Street in Lincoln, February 26th, at 11:00 am. Following the service, he will be buried in the family plot at Wyuka Cemetery.
Memorials to the family for future designation.