Richard J. Ruhmann

1969 - 2023

Richard J. Ruhmann
July 16, 1969 - June 18, 2023
New Athens, Illinois - Richard Joseph Ruhmann, 53, of Columbia, IL, born July 16, 1969, passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2023, after a brave battle with cancer.
Richie worked for many years at Hurst-Rosche, Inc. until he found his dream job as an Engineering Technician with IDOT in 2017. Within four years of his career at IDOT, he was able to advance from an Engineering Technician I to an Engineering Technician IV!
Rich enjoyed hunting, fishing from his pond he built for his nieces and nephews, snowmobiling, sitting on his back porch listening to KSHE-95, and spending time with his family and friends. From the day he was diagnosed he was always looking for a research trial, doubtful it would benefit him, but he wanted to do what he could to help others. He always gave more than he took, had a smile that lit up the room, and gave the best hugs.
He was preceded in death by his father, Stanley Ruhmann Sr., stepmother Judith Ruhmann, paternal grandparents Ralph and Rosanna Ruhmann Sr., maternal grandparents Emil and Martha Becherer, godfather Ralph Ruhmann Jr. and nephews Tyler Reitz and Adam Goessling.
He is survived by mother Lou Ann Ruhmann of Waterloo, IL; brothers and sisters, Stanley (Laurel) Ruhmann Jr of New Athens, IL, Colleen (Bruce) Goessling of Waterloo, IL, Jeanie (Lowell) Reitz of Waterloo, IL, and Danny Ruhmann of New Athens, IL ; nieces and nephews, Tara Reitz, Kymberly (Brad) Beebe, Kelley (LeRoy) Goeden, goddaughter Kellsie (Anthony) Schreder, Matthew Goessling, and Davin Ruhmann; nine great nieces and nephews, Makenna, Maddox, Tess, and Harrison Beebe; Carsyn, Clark, and Chloe Goeden; Adeline Reitz; Beau Goessling; and Lincoln "Curly" Schreder; also godmother Thelma "Peggy" Ruhmann. Richie was loved by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, including special friends Amanda Hume and Peggy Perez.
Memorials may be made to: American Association for Cancer Research or The BJC Foundation for Hospice.
Visitation: Friends and family may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, and 9 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at St. Agatha Catholic Church in New Athens, IL.
Funeral: Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at St Agatha Catholic Church in New Athens, IL with Father Von Deeke officiating.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.