Arlene L. Ruegger

1935 - 2026

Beloit, WI - Arlene Lorraine Ruegger, 90, of Beloit, WI, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026 at Riverside Terrace surrounded by her family. A lifelong Beloit resident, Arlene was born on June 9, 1935, the daughter of Robert and Aurelia (Streich) Affeldt. She was a 1953 graduate of Beloit Memorial High School and a 1956 graduate of Swedish American School of Nursing. She married Richard "Dick" Ruegger on September 1, 1956 in Atonement Lutheran Church. He predeceased her on January 14, 2003. Arlene was employed during her working years as a registered nurse at several area facilities. Arlene and Dick retired in 1994 and moved to Spooner, WI, where they had a home on Dunn Lake that had been in the Ruegger family since the 1950's. They loved spending time on the lake hosting family and friends. Arlene was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and UW Women's Hockey. Her greatest joy was found in spending time with family and close friends. She was a lifelong active member of Atonement Lutheran Church until it closed in 2020. During her tenure in Spooner, she was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she volunteered at the Alzheimer's Day Care Center. Most recently she was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Beloit. Survivors include her children, Deborah "Deb" (David) Johnston of Neenah, WI, Richard "Rick" (Pam) Ruegger of Janesville, WI, and Robert "Rob" (Holli) Ruegger of Freedom, WI; grandchildren, Bradford (Katie) Johnston, Brent Johnston, Gregory (Alexis) Johnston, Christopher Johnston (Amy), Kelsey (Curtis) Ruegger-Stark and Kourtney (Austin) Green; great grandchildren, Teresa, Cody, Zachary, Sean and Vincent Johnston; Adeline, Braylynn (twins) and Delilah Green; Scarlett, Eloise, Lucille (triplets) and Margaret Stark; sisters-in-law, Marjorie Ruegger, Charleta Affeldt and Jean Affeldt; nieces and nephews Karen Affeldt, Ken Affeldt, Karla (Bob) Junig, Ann (Rick) and Ed Bormett and John Affeldt. She was predeceased by her parents; infant brother, Wilmer Affeldt; and brothers, Rollyn and Arlyn Affeldt. A private family service was held for Arlene. Inurnment will be in East Lawn Cemetery. Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Road, Beloit, WI, assisted the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to your charity of choice. The family wishes to thank the staff at Riverside Terrace and Beloit Regional Hospice for their compassionate care during Arlene's final days. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.daleymurphywisch.com