Matt Ruis

Funeral services for Matt Ruis, age 89, of Brainerd, formerly of Milaca, will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 10 AM at the Christian Reformed Church in Pease with Rev. Michael Ten Haken officiating. Interment will follow at Pease Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 - 6 PM Friday at the Christian Reformed Church in Pease. Marion James Ruis “Matt” went to be with the Lord on Wednesday morning March 2, 2016. Matt was born to Gerrit and Katherine (Kuperus) Ruis on Sept 12, 1926. He grew up in the Pease community, attended Pease Christian School and graduated from Milaca High School. Matt enlisted in the Air Corp during WWII and served in the Pacific Theater. On July 15, 1948, he married the love of his life, Joanne DeBoer Ruis. He was heard to say “the best decision of my life”. They lived in Pease for a few years where Matt built and ran the Pease Cafe. In 1950, they moved to the farm in Milo Township. Matt farmed, worked for Pease Creamery, and Land O’ Lakes Creamery while raising a family of 7 children. In 1978, they moved to Mille Lacs Lake and then later back to Milaca. In his retirement, he was the most sought after handyman. Matt loved to hunt, fish, golf, play softball and then taught his sons, daughters, grandchildren and great- grandchildren to love the same things. There was no greater joy for Matt than to watch his family enjoying life. Matt was a lifelong member of the Pease CRC. He loved the Lord, and his children and their families observed a strong faith filled with faithfulness, gentleness, kindness and service. Matt is survived by his loving wife, Joanne (DeBoer) Ruis; his children, Bruce (Barb) Ruis of Denver, CO, Gerry (Karen) Ruis of Grand Rapids, MI, Mary (Jim) Donaldson of Taylor, SC, Ken (RoseAnne) Ruis of Boynton Beach, FL, Sue (Rick) Findell of Denver, CO, Dave (Marvel) Ruis of Pine City, MN, Don (Deb) Ruis of Pillager, MN; 36 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; as well as sisters-in-law, brothers in-law, many nieces, nephews, and countless friends. Matt was preceded in death by his parents, Gerrit and Katherine (Kuperus) Ruis; brothers Edward and John, and sister, Jennie Timmer. The family is grateful for the care Matt received at Country Meadows and Elim in Milaca, Onamia Hospital, as well as Harmony House in Brainerd this last month. Matt will be greatly missed as a servant, carpenter, fisherman, best hugger, big-hearted man of God, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandpa.