Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Donald Ruchti Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Donald was born on March 12, 1945, in Minneapolis MN to Clarence and Elizabeth (Miller) Ruchti. Don grew up in Willmar MN where he met his high school sweetheart and future wife Paulette Lillian Finstrom. Don was united in marriage to the Love of his life Paulette and together they had a son Donald (Butch) Ruchti Jr and a daughter Lisa (Ruchti) Wolf. Don enjoyed lake life with Paulette, living on Maple Lake most of their life and spent time fishing, jet skiing and snowmobiling. Don was one tough guy and a hardworking man. Don started doing drywall as a young man and in later years worked with his son to grow the family-owned drywall business where they worked together for almost 30 years before Don retired in 2008. Don moved to St. Cloud in 2018 to be closer to family and enjoyed building a new home and riding his side by side around the neighborhood. Don always had a wave for the neighbors and didn't go anywhere without his diet coke! Don had a good sense of humor and loved practical jokes-one of his favorites was a whoopy cushion at the holidays.
Donald is survived by his son: Donald JR (Butch) and Lisa Ruchti of St. Cloud MN; daughter: Lisa (Ruchti) and Dennis Wolf of Klamath Falls OR, Grandchildren: Kristina (Ruchti) and Keegan Armstong; Nicholas Ruchti and finance Madeleine Christen; and Hanna (Wolf) and Mariano Segura. Don's first great grandchild is on the way, due in December. Also surviving is his sister: Marilyn (and Al) Nordin.
Don was preceded in death by his Parents, Clarence and Elizabeth, his wife Paulette, his sister Verna (Bob) Leiske, brothers Ronald (and Sue) Ruchti and Marvin (and Kris) Ruchti.
Special thanks to the amazing staff at Mille Lacs Senior Care Geriatric Mental Health facility in Onamia MN for their kindness and compassion and excellent care that they provided Don during his 3 months stay with them.
Gone but not forgotten.... forever in our hearts-until we meet again.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
4100 Grand Ave, Duluth, MN 55807
Make a Donation
in Donald Ruchti's name
People and places connected with Donald
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Donald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Donald Ruchti's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
