Herbert Ruser

Herbert L. Ruser, 91, a longtime Ogallala resident, passed away December 31, 2025, at Burwell.

Herb was born August 20, 1934, in Ogallala, NE, to Herbert R. and Edna Lee (Paxton) Ruser. He graduated from Ogallala High School in 1951 at the age of 16. If he'd had it his way, he would have joined the Coast Guard after graduation. His mom encouraged him to attend college in Wichita, KS instead, which he did in 1951 & 1952.

Herb's love of cars led him back home to Ogallala to work for Searl's Cadillac dealership, where he sold cars with his dad. After a year there, he decided to go back to school in Milford for Autobody, where he graduated in 1955. While living in Milford, he joined the National Guard in 1954.

Herb met the love of his life, Charlotte Heinis, in 1957. After graduating from Milford, he was called into service in the Army, where he was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. He moved home for good after his discharge and started farming in Perkins Co. in 1958. Herb farmed for 46 years.

Herb and Charlotte were joined in marriage on October 13, 1962, in Ogallala. From there came the birth of their three daughters: Vicki Lyn, Cheryl Ann & Laurie Lee.

Herb was an avid lover of cars, always restoring, collecting, buying, selling, and constantly looking! He had a special place in his heart for shelter animals and enjoyed every pet rescued. Herb also loved music and spent ample time with his large record collection and singing in the choir. Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir were among his favorites. He collected everything: records, hats, old bottles, coins, stamps, Husker memorabilia, and the list goes on. He loved all things Nebraska Cornhuskers and Kansas City Chiefs, playing cards, attending auctions (to add to his collections), being at the Lake, watching musicals (whether on tape or live in person), but if he could bend your ear to a story, you couldn't get away. Herb loved to tell stories, and his memory stuck with him to the end.

Most of all, he loved his wife, his children, his grand and great-grandchildren. He didn't like to miss events of any kind, but especially sports. He was always there on the sidelines, cheering or yelling, whatever the game entailed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, and his sister, Bonnie. Survivors include his wife Charlotte, of Ogallala, daughters Vicki (David) McBride of Clinton, MO, Cheryl (Kyle) Schow of Ogallala, and Laurie (Jason) Stimpfig of Redondo Beach, CA, 8 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of cards or flowers, please consider a donation in Herb's memory to the Perkins County Animal Shelter. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.

Services will be on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home Chapel in Ogallala. Private inurnment with military honors will be in the Ogallala Cemetery.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.