Lazar T. Ruga, Jr.

Lazar T. Ruga, Jr., aged 93, of Rhineland passed away Saturday, December 28th, 2024 at StoneBridge Senior Living, Hermann, Missouri.

He was born in Valley Park, Mo. on December 21, 1931, a son of the late Helen (nee Schnur) & Lazar (Louie) Ruga.

Junior was the husband of the late Delores Ruga (nee Schlatt). They were married on November 26, 1955 at St. Martin in Starkenburg.
 
He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean Conflict. Junior was a member of St. George Catholic Church. He was a farmer for most of his life and drove a school bus for over 30 years.

Lazar is survived by five children Anita Ruga of Rhineland, Beverly & husband Kevin McMeel of Cape Girardeau, Mo., Tom & wife Janet of Rhineland, Christine & husband John Rost of Broken Arrow, OK, Michelle & husband Kirby Kotthoff of Hermann
 
He is also survived by Grandchildren Brendan & Jacinda McMeel, Ben Ruga,  Mikaela Ruga, Heather & husband Michael Means, Hannah & husband Alex Galvan, Emily & husband Matthew Hildebrand, Clarie & husband Tyler Kuhn, & Maggie Kotthoff, one Great Grandchild Vivenne Means and lifelong friend George Seper.

He is preceded in death by his parents , his wife, and three brothers John , William, & Nicholas Ruga.

Visitation will be held Tuesday December 31, 2024 from 9:00 to 10:30 at St. George where a funeral mass will follow at 10:30 with Father Philip Niekamp officiating.

Interment will follow at St. Martin's Cemetery with full Military Honors. Memorials are requested to St. George Wall Fund or Disabled American Veterans.