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Joseph Ruthrauff Obituary
MISHAWAKA - Joseph A. "Joe" Ruthrauff, 61, died unexpectedly Friday, February 8th, from complications of diabetes. He was born on February 26, 1951, to Charles and Ardie Ruthrauff of Mishawaka, who preceded him in death. His brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Kris Ruthrauff of Mishawaka, also preceded him in death. Joe graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1969, and soon after served in the United States Army. He is best known for pursuing his lifelong passion of oil painting and drawing, and becoming an accomplished local artist. Joe exhibited his work at The New Galleries, The South Bend Regional Museum of Art, The Heartland Artists Gallery, and The Midwest Museum of American Art, where he won The Jonas Howard Memorial Award for Painting as well as two Purchase Awards in 2010. A sampling of Joe's paintings is online at www.joeruthrauff.com. He was a caring and compassionate man, and will be deeply missed by his family, including sister, Edie (Fred) Greene of Brandon, MS; and brothers, Bill (Lauren) Ruthrauff of Asbury Park, NJ, and Jim (Jeannie) Ruthrauff of Granger, IN; as well as nieces, Ashley and Alicia, and nephews, Alex and Samuel. Friends may call at Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend from 4:00 - 7:00 pm Wednesday, February 20th. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am Thursday, February 21st, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 Fir Road, Granger. Graveside services and burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, where he will be buried next to his brother, Bob, and parents. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 2004 Ironwood Circle #140, South Bend, IN 46635; or The South Bend Regional Museum of Art, 120 S. St. Joseph Street, South Bend, IN 46601. Online condolences may be left for the Ruthrauff family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Ruthrauff
Ashley Lee
December 18, 2023
uncle joe u were always my favorite uncle. i miss u so much. love u till forever.. ashley ruthrauff aka ashley lee............
Diane Kwiatek
February 21, 2013
Joe, I miss you so much..
Jim Roberts
February 20, 2013
I knew Joe since high school. He was a force of nature and one of a kind. He will always be"Heavy Joe" to me. I'm so glad he found peace and made beautiful art. RIP
February 20, 2013
I happened to read Joe's obituary, and, in doing so, linked to his artsite. Some very lovely pieces. I was especially taken by what I perceived as his being drawn to his neighborhood, his community. I did not know Joe or his work until today and am grateful for the small glimpse of both, grateful to the link to his art. I experienced the Inclusion of the link in his obituary as a profound gesture of love and joyful invitation to those who did not know him or his work to witness to his love of community and celebration of his gifts.
Peace,
February 19, 2013
Joseph was a very intelligent man. I use to enjoy our long conversations. May he rest in peace.
IIngram
David Allen
February 18, 2013
Joe and I painted together the last three or four years in the neighborhood around his house. They were productive years and I enjoyed his company, his hospitality, and his studio. Joe was obstinate, generous, passionate – well, he was an artist. “We have a lot of paintings in us yet,” he'd say to encourage me. He had a big heart and it was in the right place. He has taught me once again that one can never error on the side of forbearance, kindness, understanding – what we call love. I wish we had one more summer, Joe. I wish I'd been there for you at the end. It won't be the same without you.
Jane Hamilton
February 17, 2013
I went to grade school with Joe and liked him very much. My prayers go out to the rest of the family. Jane Harter Hamilton
bud collins
February 17, 2013
i have known this guy since he was six
never a dull moment
always had good heart
left us to young
rip joe
Dr. David & Angie Holdren
February 14, 2013
Sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Nothing but fond memories from the Niles Ave. days. I know he will be missed. He was always a good friend to me and I could always count on him.
Jose F. Herre
February 14, 2013
My friend, now you are painting angels in heaven - Thank you for my portrait .I will miss you . Jose Felipe Herre
J. D. Childs
February 14, 2013
A few years ago, after about a ten-year stretch where we hadn't been in contact, my wife Kate and I reconnected with Ol' Joe. We bought some paintings of his to bring back to California with us (some of those same beautiful paintings on Joe's artsite). Joe took our kids into his studio and he let them paint on his canvas. He was working on a brilliant summer piece with a huge willow tree as he talked to the kids about what colors they might use and where they might do some dabs.... He gave them briushes and told them to go for it. Such a cool experience for them!
I then took my 8 year-old back over to Joe's when we picked out our paintings. And Cece and Joe had a nice talk. Joe showed her his art books and asked her what she saw, what she noticed. They talked about colors and emotions in paintings. I asked her what she thought about our newest masterpieces, and she said, "Dad, Joe makes everything beautiful!"
My wife and I have spoken with our kids about what it means to give up everything in order to pursue your passion in life. And we believe that Joe is a fantastic example of a guy whose God-given talent was so profound that he just had to paint. I'm grateful that we got to hang out on King Street and go through his paintings and reminisce with that guy. I'm so glad that he had a few years where all he did was follow his passion. Ol' Joe (my own personal Rembrandt) was one of a kind for me. I'lll miss you, buddy.
Diane Kwiatek
February 14, 2013
Happy Valentines Day, Joe. I will miss your smile and your beautiful eyes!
Kevin Tansey
February 14, 2013
Joe was a longtime buddy for all of us. His painting was excellent. His passing was a shock. Keep on, Joe!
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