Gerald “Sonny” T. Ruiter, age 83, of Tripoli, Wis., entered his heavenly home on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at home under the care of his loving family and Compassus Hospice. Gerald was born in Port Edwards, Wis., on March 10, 1940, to the late Peter and Gladys (Krause) Ruiter. He married his loving wife, Judith (Van Dreel) Ruiter, on July 16, 1960; she survives.
Sonny was a 1958 graduate of Port Edwards High School. He later worked for Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools retiring after 34 years in 1998. After retirement, Sonny and Judy moved to the Northwoods where they enjoyed living by the lake. Sonny had a witty sense of humor and loved laughing and joking around with people to see them smile. He was a talented baker/candy maker and enjoyed the outdoors, especially deer hunting with family and friends.
Survivors include his wife of over 63 years, Judith Ruiter, of Tripoli; his son, Chris (Dawn) Ruiter, of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.; his daughter, Molly (Paul) Lehman, of Tripoli, Wis.; his grandchildren, Rachel (Spencer) Bean, Matthew Ruiter, and Samuel, Zachary, and Halle Lehman; his great-grandchildren, Blakely Bean and Kashton Ruiter; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Patricia and Dave Kulhanek; and his sisters-in-law, Nancy Van Dreel and Judith Van Dreel. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews.
Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Gladys; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jerome and Henrietta Van Dreel; his sisters, Mary Ann Baierl and Dorothy Roth; and his brothers-in-law, Ray Roth, Gene Baierl, David Van Dreel, and Donavon Van Dreel.
Memorial services for Gerald “Sonny” Ruiter will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2023, at 11 a.m., at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Tripoli. Father Louis Maram Reddy will officiate. The family will receive friends for visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.