Robert L. Ruh

Robert L. Ruh, 84, of the Town of Rhine died peacefully with his family at his side on Saturday afternoon August 16, 2025 at Sheboygan Aurora Medical Center. He was born February 12, 1941 in the Town of Rhine, son of the late Otto and Hilma (Sinner) Ruh. Robert attended Garfield School and was a 1959 graduate of Plymouth High School. In 1959 he enlisted in the National Guard and spent some of his duty at Ft. Lewis in Washington State. He attained the rank of SP 5 serving as a communications specialist. Robert remained on reserve until 1967.

On August 26, 1961 he was united in marriage to Marlene Bramstedt at Trinity Lutheran Church, Howards Grove. Robert and Marlene ran a dairy farm together on the Ruh Homestead in the Town of Rhine until their retirement. He was a charter member of the Sheboygan County Young Farmers and was also active in Farm Bureau for many years. Robert had a passion for racing. He was an active member of the Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Association. Known as Rapid Robert or the Flying Farmer to many, he raced from 1963 until 1987. During that time he was the association president for 5 years and served on the board for many years. He took great pride in watching his sons and grandsons and other family members follow in his racing footsteps. In 2023 the Ruh family was inducted onto the Plymouth Wall of Fame for their contributions to racing in Plymouth.

Robert and Marlene spent many winters in Texas. They enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and had memorable visits to Spain, Morocco, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama and took several cruises. Family camping trips were a highlight of the summers and he was a former President of the Good Sams Camping Club of Wisconsin. He was a lifelong member of St. Peters Evangelical Church in the Town of Rhine. Robert served on the council including terms as president and sang in the choir. He was involved in many of the renovation and expansion projects. He was especially active with the Town of Rhine Memorial Day picnic and parade.

In his free time he enjoyed couples bowling and playing in his card clubs. He had a love for music, he usually spent his days singing or whistling along to his favorite songs. Robert and Marlene enjoyed going to the local polka dances and following the bands. He served on the Plymouth Hospital Board and was also a member of the Elkart Lake – Glenbeulah School Board. Robert enjoyed model trains and attending tractor shows.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 64 years; Marlene, children; Bradley (Connie) Ruh, Elkhart Lake, Cheryl (Martin) Van Ells, Ocoee, FL., Keith (Angela) Ruh, Elkhart Lake, Kevin (Denice) Ruh, Apopka FL., Sharla (Timothy) Peters, Suring, WI., 12 grandchildren; Steven (Nicole) Ruh, Melissa Ruh, Alexandria Van Ells, Erin Van Ells, Grace (Kellen) McCoy, Preston (Madeline) Ruh, Ella Ruh, Monica Ruh, Noah Ruh, Justin (Melissa) Hitsman, Joshua Hitsman, Bristol Hitsman, 13 great grandchildren. Further survived by sister; Carolyn (Mark) Dreier, brother; Thomas (Wendy) Ruh, sisters-in-law; Karen Ruh, Joann Bramstedt along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter; Pamela Jean Ruh, infant grandson; Tucker Ruh, brothers; Randall, Donald and infant brother Gary, father-in-law and mother-in-law; Roman and LaVera Bramstedt, brother-in-law; Ronald Bramstedt.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday August 21, 2025 at St. Peters Evangelical Church (W5375 Cty Rd FF Elkhart Lake) with Pastor Ted McCurdy officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A time of visitation will take place at the church on Thursday from 10:00am until 1:30pm when we will have brief family rites before the service starts.

Robert's family would like to thank Pastor McCurdy for his prayers and support. They would also like to thank Tom and Wendy Ruh for all their help, Dr. Brooks and Jenny at Davita Sheboygan and the staff and care team at Davita, Chilton. A final thank you to Sommer and Summer at Aurora Hospice and the Elkhart Lake First Responders for their compassion to Robert and his family

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name.