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NORMAN RUEDIGER Obituary

SMSGT Norman James Ruediger SMSGT Norman James Ruediger passed away on February 12, 2015 at Good Samaritan Hospital at the age of 74 after a long battle with cancer. He was born on January 10, 1941 in Tarentum, PA to Elizabeth and Harold Ruediger. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Hendry and William (Bill) Ruediger. He is survived by his wife of 35 years Hyon Ok Ruediger; his children Veronica (Dan), Diana (Casey), Norman; his grandchildren Easton and Ava; and brothers Harold (Russ), Robert (Bob) and David. He proudly served in the US Air Force retiring after 28 years. He then worked for the Social Security Admin retiring after 17 years. He dedicated his life to public service. He lived his life following three fundamental values: God, Family and Country. Words cannot describe the amazing man he was, but a few are: loyalty, honor, gentleness, devotion, kindness, respect and Love. He was a man of few words but loved deeply and unconditionally. His greatest joy was to play with his grandkids and helped raise his first grandchild Easton, who stole his heart. He battled cancer as hard as he could in order to be here for his family. He did it with courage, grace and integrity. One's life is not defined by how it ends, but by how it is lived, and he lived well! He will be missed but never forgotten, he is our Angel in Heaven. We were blessed to have him as a husband, father, papa and brother. Funeral Mass will be held this Saturday, February 21st at 11:00am at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church in Tacoma.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Feb. 19, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for NORMAN RUEDIGER

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March 17, 2015

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

March 17, 2015

your legacy lives Norm

March 16, 2015

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Andrew D

March 6, 2015

How does one define greatness? Is it through the words that we choose? Or is it perhaps, the things that we accomplish? Or is it a combination of the two? For each of us, we may have our way of defining what greatness is.
However, for anyone who was fortunate enough to have known Norman Ruediger. We all stood amongst a man, who had accomplished so many amazing things in his short life. We were all in the presence of a truly great man.
A man, who could make a total stranger always feel welcome. A man who always knew what to say. & wasn't afraid of ever speaking up. A man who always enjoyed sharing his stories for anyone who would care to listen. & when Norman spoke, people listened intently to the words that were being spoken. As Norman had such a commanding presence. It may sound a bit clich. But Norman would be the one who would gladly offer the shirt right off of his back & or give his last dollar for anyone in need. That's just the kind of person that Norman was.
Norman, I was so honored & privileged to have had the opportunity to have known you. I thank you, so much for the memories, the laughs, and the talks. & most importantly your friendship.

Shelby Fleck

February 26, 2015

My condolences to your family, Norman was my mother Rosemary Fotheringhams cousin and and she spoke with care and laughter of stories of her childhood with Norman.

Chuck Smith

February 21, 2015

Glad to have known him, spent some good times with him and his family.

February 20, 2015

Aunt Ann, Diana, Veronica and Norman: May God Bless you and comfort you. May you find peace knowing that he is with his Lord and at peace. We will be praying for you and your families. I wish I could be there with you. With Love, Betty (Ruediger) Hoffman

Mandi and Inho Kim

February 20, 2015

Mr. Rudieger, you have been like an Uncle to us and were always there to help and support us when we needed it most. Thank you for making us a part of your wonderful and loving family. We have been so blessed to have you in our lives, and you will always be. We miss you dearly, but we know we will see you again someday.

Ella Schugt

February 20, 2015

Although we lived far apart I have fond memories of my dear Cousin Jimmy! I wish I could be there to help send you off but I know you are in good company in heaven! I wish comfort for your family and take care of Uncle Pee Wee in heaven! Love your Cousin Ella and Joe!

Kelly and Chris Sumansky (Ruediger)

February 20, 2015

Love to you Uncle Jim! Praying for strength and comfort for those who are hurting. With great love!

Dan Benson

February 20, 2015

Dear Norm, you will be so missed. I was honored and privileged to be brought into your family as your son in law. I will miss our talks, family barbeques and the quiet reflective moments too. I miss you so much already but have peace knowing your are with the Lord in heaven now where you will have eternal joy and rest. Blessings on you Pop. I promise to take very good care of your daughter. Farewell for now...

Delbert and Delila Tomlinson

February 19, 2015

You will be missed by all of us Norm, thank you for your love and contribution to our wonderful family.

betty baker

February 19, 2015

So sorry for your loss of a loved family member

February 19, 2015

Dad! Diana did a great job in making sure we honor and do everything you wish. We love you so much and it hurts so bad. We all know you we be looking down from Heaven and watching over us. We will always remember you, honor you and make sure your Legacy is passed on to your grandchildren in everything you taught us. Always & Forever Veronica and Diana

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