Alan R. "Al" Ruhland

1943 - 2025

Alan R. "Al" Ruhland
Born: August 18, 1943 in Ottawa, IL
Died: August 18, 2025 in Ottawa, IL
Surrounded by his loving family, Alan R. "Al" Ruhland of Ottawa, IL passed away peacefully on August 18, 2025, his 82nd birthday. Born in Ottawa to Marie (née Biescke) and Norb Ruhland, and was the 3rd of 8 children. He attended St. Columba Grade School and was a proud 1962 graduate of Marquette High School. On October 22, 1966, Al married the love of his life, Patricia (née Bienemann) Ruhland in St. Francis Church.
Al and Pat were life and business partners, running Bianchi's World Famous Pizza in Ottawa.Initially an ice cream parlor, they purchased the building in 1967. After a few years, Al and Pat transformed the restaurant, and in 1970, Bianchi's was officially a pizza restaurant with an incredibly loyal following. As a well-respected member of the retail community in Ottawa, Al was both passionate and extremely proud of his business and his involvement in the growth of downtown Ottawa. He shared with his children and grandchildren his love of entrepreneurship and involved them in his professional pursuits from a very young age.
As a business owner, at times he needed to be tough, but he treated his employees like family, and it shows in their loyalty to Bianchi's over the years.
He enjoyed his daily morning "coffee with the guys" at McDonald's, where they would sit and chat and solve most of the worlds' problems.
Al was fiercely protective of his family members and always put their needs before his own. "Grandpa Al" enjoyed the simple pleasures in life including attending Cubs games with the family, fishing at the pond, and just being a jokester. He would regularly light up a room with his million-dollar smile, and tell his silly "dad jokes." One of his favorite past-times was "putting his grandkids in the trick bag". We still use this euphemism today, and pass on his goofy sense of humor with glee.
Al and Pat's mutual love for each other was evident every day. For him, holding Pat's hand was holding on to everything. They enjoyed numerous trips to Las Vegas for the annual Pizza Convention, and many trips to Branson and Tica with their brother and sister-in-law.
Whether spending time together traveling the country, or just jumping in the car for a drive to Wisconsin to check out the latest cheeses – they felt it was important to experience life while they could and it was important to both of them. They both told their kids and grandkids - "do not wait to experience life - do what to want to do NOW while you are able, for life is just too short!"
It is safe to say his greatest joy was spending time with Pat and his grandchildren, whether in Connecticut or in Illinois. Even though the grandkids could sometimes cajole Grandpa into getting what they want – he was no pushover. His strict discipline taught his children and grandchildren all about tough love, respect, loyalty and the responsibility to have empathy for others. For these lessons–and so many more–his family will be eternally grateful.
Al is survived and deeply mourned by his wife, Pat; and children Dawn Ruhland of Farmington, CT and Alan (Kim) Ruhland of Ottawa. His memory is forever cherished by his seven grandchildren (in order of age) Avery Patrice, Taryn Elizabeth, Reese Alexandra, Lakyn Marie, Quinn Patrick, Charlotte Anne, and Mayson Alan.
Al is also survived by his loving siblings Robert Ruhland, Marty (Sally) Ruhland, Anne (Gene) Borsattino, Thomas (Sharon) Ruhland, Terry (Jeanie) Ruhland, sister-in-law Nancy Ruhland, brother-in-law Larry Bienemann, and many, many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Al was preceded in death by his parents, Marie and Norb Ruhland; brother Gary Ruhland; sister and brother-in-law, Norma Jean and James Messaglia; sister-in-law Joyce Ruhland; niece Alison Ruhland and nephew Scott Ruhland,
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 25 at St Columba Church with Monsignor Merdian officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 24 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home in Ottawa. He will be buried in St. Columba Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Friendship House www.Friendshiphouseillinois.org, Starved Rock Regional Center for Therapy & Child Development (formerly Easter Seals)
Starved Rock Regional Center - 1013 Adams St. Ottawa, IL 61350, St. Columba Church or Interval House Hartford, Connecticut.