Joseph Leo Ruhlman

Joseph (Joeski) Leo Ruhlman passed away at the age of 76 on September 5, 2025 after a fierce battle with leukemia. Joe, the oldest of nine children, was born on August 4, 1949 to Leo and Etta Jean (Tobin) Ruhlman in Atchison, KS. Joe moved with his family to Norfolk, NE where he spent his school years. After graduating high school, he attended Mount Michael Benedictine Jr. College in Elkhorn, NE before heading to St. John’s Seminary in St. Paul, MN where he graduated with a degree in philosophy. Choosing not to pursue the priesthood, he spent a short time in O’Neil, NE before eventually settling in North Platte, NE where he created a wonderful life surrounded by joy, heavenly purpose and wonderful people. 

Joe is survived by his loving wife of nearly 52 years, Connie (Wlaschin) Ruhlman, his son Michael (Kelly), and his daughter Kristina (Ted). He leaves behind four beloved grandchildren—Alex (26), Brayden (16), Justin (5), and Kenny (3)—along with four cherished bonus grandchildren, Matthew, Ethan, Logan, and Sienna, and two bonus great-grandchildren, Emmett (5) and Brinley (4), all joyfully welcomed into the family through Mike’s marriage.

He is the first of his siblings to pass from this life, leaving behind his eight younger siblings: Mark, Bill, Mary Pat, Phil, Peggy, Paul, Matt, and Tom. 

Joe grew up in a large, loving family, which helped him develop a strong sense of self. He was a one-of-a-kind man and a dear friend to many. He was kind-hearted and full of joy with a smile that radiated through the dazzling sparkle of his eyes. 

Joe was a creator, a man with a grand imagination and the talent to support it. 

He spent his career working for Simon Contractors, building banks and bridges from North Platte to Wyoming. Those jobs supplied him with a place to use his construction skills and provided a steady source of recycled materials to supply his craftsman garage. He loved to repurpose the things he found on the job and had a garage full of materials that would “be useful one day”. And much of it was. That garage of cast-offs-built sets for his son’s school plays, games for community fundraising festivals, and beautiful decorations for Church. Most notably, with those materials and his talents, he built an entire second story onto his home—a project he completed with great care and craftsmanship.

He was a lifelong blood donor, giving the gift of life to hundreds of people he’d never met. He cherished his faith and invested his time heavily in the community of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, where he and Connie were founding members. He was a gifted musician, routinely lending his talents to the music ministry at mass. He led the Easter Vigil at Holy Spirit for years, bringing together a formidable choir of family and friends for the musical highlight of the season. Through the church, he was also an avid participant in youth retreats, helping to introduce joyful worship to thousands of young Catholics through Teens Encounter Christ (TEC), Outward Bound (Higher Ground) and Going Bananas for Jesus. 

Joe enjoyed gardening throughout his life. His backyard oasis was known for producing plentiful vegetables, including wonderful tomatoes that were perfect for tomato pie. His continuous journey to find the best soil medleys was highly entertaining to his daughter. (For example, though Joe wasn’t a drinker, the plants enjoyed a flat beer from time to time, supposedly bringing bigger and better blooms.) His flower garden was legendary, full of bright colors and whimsical baubles from their journeys. He often grew the plants from seeds, and enjoyed his daily meditation of watering them all summer long. The whole yard was magical, so much so that it served as a grand destination for his son Mike’s wedding just last year.  

Joe spent his retirement years traveling with his wonderful wife whom he loved dearly. They visited the oceans and the mountains, enjoying their time together as they went. 

Joe was a builder, and he built a life to be proud of. His steadfast example of love for his family, dedication to his community and respect for the world around him will live on through those who knew and loved him. He truly danced to his own tune, and we are forever grateful to have heard the music.

Memorials are suggested to the Hope Lodge, 8030 Farnam Dr., Omaha, Nebraska 68114 or the Catholic Relief Fund, 228 W. Lexington St., Baltimore, Maryland 21201-3413

Online condolences and live streaming of the service may be expressed at adamsswanson.com.

 Christian Wake Services will be 7 p.m. Tuesday September 9, 2025 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday September 10, 2025 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home who is assisting the family.