Raymond J Ruffing

Sherwood WI

Raymond J. Ruffing, Jr. age 98, of Sherwood, died on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton.  He was born September 26, 1927 in Stockbridge, Wisconsin, son of the late Raymond, Sr. & Theresa (Weber) Ruffing.  

He was born and raised in Stockbridge and grew up on the family farm.  He graduated from Chilton High School and joined the United States Army near the close of the Second World War.  He was proud of his service and genuinely enjoyed his time in service to his country.  He was proud of his marksmanship and was asked to go off to Officer Training School.  He kindly declined the offer because he wanted to remain with his fellow comrades, all of whom he had become good friends with.  

Following his Honorable Discharge, Ray returned to the family homestead where he and his brother, Edward, operated their dairy farm.  All throughout the 60’s, they were recognized as having one of the best dairy herds in the State of Wisconsin and won several awards for their milk production over the course of their careers.  

When he wasn’t devoting his time to the herd and the farm work, Raymond loved to go bowling; a sport in which he excelled.  He belonged to the Sherwood Businessmen Bowling Team and bowled in several tournaments around the state.  On one occasion, he bowled a 296 and kept the score sheet from that night.  He often talked enthusiastically about it and would bring the score sheet out as evidence to anyone who was willing to check it out. 

Never afraid of an adventure, Ray and a few of his close friends dressed up as though they were going to be hunting in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.  It was January of 1953 when they hopped in a big Buick Roadmaster with a large sign on the back that read, “Rose Bowl or Bust” and drove clear across the country to attend the game between the Badgers and the Trojans.  Although the Badgers didn’t win, memories were created that have spanned generations of the Ruffing family.  

After Ray retired in the mid 90’s, he moved to Sherwood where he was still unable to let the grass grow beneath his feet.  He was always very health conscious with a lot of energy to boot.  Frequently, Raymond could be walking around his Sherwood neighborhood with his walking buddy, “Micke”.

Above all else, Raymond cherished his faith and appreciated all of the blessings that God had bestowed upon him in this life.  He attended Mass regularly which brought him great comfort, especially in the waning days of his life.

Survivors include his siblings: Richard Ruffing, Rose Miller; a sister-in-law: Ellen Fahrenkrug; and his dear friends and neighbors: Bill & Julie Bradley and their children, Aidan & Claire, even having taught the children how to play Poker during their adolescence.  He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings: Edward (Delphine) Ruffing, Charles (Alice) Ruffing, Helen (Tom) Maciulski, Robert Ruffing; and his siblings-in-law: Robert Gember, Melvin Miller, & Julie Ruffing.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Friday, February 20, 2026 at St. John Sacred Heart Parish (N369 Military Road) in Sherwood with Rev. Michael Betley officiating.  Burial will follow in the Parish Cemetery.  A time of visitation will be held at the Church from 9:00 am until 10:45 am on Friday, February 20, 2026.  At the time of the service and following, there will be a link available above for those wishing to watch a livestream or archived recording of the service, view a memorial video, or see pictures of the flowers and gifts given to the family.