Kenneth Ruser
Kenneth L. Ruser, 92, of Ogallala, Neb., passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at the Ogallala Community Hospital.
Ken was born on Nov. 14, 1930, on a farm north of Ogallala to William H. and Edith (Struckman) Ruser. He graduated from Ogallala High School before attending Kearney State College. Following his education, Ken returned home, where he pursued his passion for farming.
On Sept. 23, 1951, Kenneth married Shirley A. Kramer, and together they raised three children, Candi, Dawn, and Todd. Kenneth owned and operated the Culligan Water Conditioning and the SEARS store before transitioning into real estate, which he did passionately for the next 22 years. He also served as a Staff Sergeant in the Nebraska National Guards for nine years.
In 1969, Ken came to faith in the Lord at the Ogdon Rescue Mission in Utah. His faith became an integral part of his life, and he lived it every day. Ken loved to share his faith in Christ generously, and as a result, he helped bring many people into a relationship with Jesus.
Ken had many hobbies, including fishing, pheasant hunting, and hunting for arrowheads and bottles. He often shared his passion for Nebraska history and artifact hunting with his great friend, neighbor, and fellow historian, Pete Peters, and even involved his children in their adventures.
Ken had an endearing preoccupation with details and organization. These inclinations were perhaps best on display in his beloved 1997 red Chevy pickup, “Big Red.”
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, three infant sons, Mark, James, and Steven; brother, Dick Ruser; and sister, Pat Saathoff.
Kenneth is survived by his wife of over 71 years, Shirley Ruser of Ogallala; his children, Candi (Myron) Harms of Kalispell, Mont., Dawn (John) Lotshaw of Jackson, Wyo., and Todd Ruser of Kansas City, Mo.; grandchildren, Eric, Amy, Heather, Autumn, Katie, Jaclyn, Jennifer, and Johnny; 18 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
A memorial has been established in Ken’s memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.
A memorial book signing where the family will receive friends will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2023, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala.
A celebration of Ken’s life will be held on Friday, March 17, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the New Hope Church in Ogallala with Pastor Matt Waitley and Pastor Mark Carlton officiating. Inurnment will be in the Ogallala Cemetery.
Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.