J.-Ruf-Obituary

J. Frederic "Fritz" Ruf

Brookfield, Wisconsin

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Brookfield, Wisconsin

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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.

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Fritz was a positive influence on my first years out of college at M&I. I have and will remembered him fondly.

I was deeply saddened to hear of Uncle Fritz's passing. He has always been to energy and brightness of the Ruf family, and we will all miss him. I hope everyone will hold close the great memories he gave us all.

Love,
David Ruf

Fritz was a class act. It was my pleasure to work for him and with him. He stayed out of your way and let you do your job, because that's why he hired you. Off hours, he typically offered up a big smile and a great story or two. Beyond that, I can think of few people in civil service I have known who had as much integrity as Fritz, or who put as much thought into the choices they made on behalf of their constituents. A great man; a life well lived.

I am sorry to hear about Fritz. I worked with him in the early years of TYME, at M&I and also knew him through AIB. He was a great mentor and always had a story and a big smile. He will be missed.

I am so very sorry for your family's loss. Over the years I've frequently remembered Fritz fondly, because he was truly a kind and generous mentor to me when we both worked at First Interstate Bank in the '80s. He impacted many lives in a positive way, and he will be missed.
Angela (Mueller) Schwarz

Sally,
I am sorry to hear about Fritz passing. I truly enjoyed the time we spent together and hearing all of his stories. He was a great man and will be missed.

Knowing Mr. Ruf because of the many years he served on the Wisconsin Waterways Commission, I always found him to be extremely fair and open. Because of him (and others on the Commission) we have lots of improvements at boat landings so that the public can enjoy time on the great lakes of Wisconsin. He will truly be missed.

Diane Conklin, on behalf of the Wisconsin Waterways Commission

Sallly, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Fritz was a great person and I know he will. E missed by his family and friends.

I owe my entire career at TYME to Fritz and I will always be great full for this. I will never forget my interview with him at the Brathaus in Madison. He and Bill Dixon provided me with much guidance and support throughout the years.

I wish I could be T the memorial service but I am in Omaha with my grandson and will not be back in Wisconsin until...

Sally and family
We were saddened to hear of Fritz's death. I have many great memories of the fun times we shared at M&I. Nancy and I are thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers.

Jere and Nancy Chapin