J. Frederic "Fritz" Ruf

Ruf, J. Frederic "Fritz" J. Frederic "Fritz" Ruf, 77, died at his home in Pewaukee on Friday, June 13, 2014. Born in Madison, Wisconsin, Fritz was the youngest son of the late Harold and Margaret Ruf. After moving with his family to Elm Grove, Wisconsin, Fritz attended Leland School, later graduating from Wauwatosa East High School, Lawrence University (with a degree in political science), and UW-Madison Law School. At age 12, Fritz began his business career at Ray's Auto Body in 'downtown' Elm Grove. He held numerous other jobs while pursuing his education, all of which contributed to his stock of stories of people and events. Fritz learned early on never to let the truth get in the way of a good yarn. Following law school, Fritz went into banking. He helped create TYME (Take Your Money Everywhere) Corporation, one of the country's first ATM systems. On his recent trip to Australia with his daughter (completing his goal of traveling to all seven continents), he took great pride in taking money out of a TYME machine at Ayers Rock. Fritz joined the Tommy Thompson administration as Deputy Director of the Department of Commerce. Later, as head of WHEDA, he proudly helped that organization's efforts provide quality low-cost housing to state communities and to improve city neighborhoods. He helped launch the Commerce State Bank in West Bend, WI. As a political science major, Fritz was heavily involved in local government. He served as chairman of the Lake Pewaukee Sanitary District, and was a City of Pewaukee Alderman. This April, he completed his 3rd term on the Waukesha County Board. His greatest legacy is to those he mentored. An attorney who never entered private practice, Fritz was a perpetual learner and enjoyed being a servant leader: the Lawrence University Alumni Association, Pewaukee Yacht Club, Kettle Moraine Curling Club, Inland Lake Yachting Assn., ILYA Bilge Pullers, Waukesha County Federated Library System Board, the Pewaukee Police and Fire Commission, and many other elected and non-elected positions. He became a leader in most. Fritz is survived by his wife Sally (Meyer), daughter, Sarah (Carl) Spencer, son John, grandsons Christian and Sam Spencer, and many relatives, nieces and nephews, as well as friends across the globe. Visitation will be held at Galilee Lutheran Church N24 W26430 Crestview Drive Pewaukee, WI 53072 on Friday, June 20 from 10 AM until 12:45 PM. Visitation will be followed by a memorial service at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the ILYA Foundation, P.O. Box 311, Fontana, WI 53125-0311; Lawrence University 711 E. Boldt Way, Appleton, WI 54911; or Galilee Lutheran Church would be greatly appreciated.