12/5/1959 - 1/28/2023
Bruce Glenn Ruhge, age 63 of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2023. He’s survived by his loving family, which he considered his life’s greatest achievement: bride and wife of 38 years, Lynette Ruhge; beloved daughter, Chelsea (Sean) Navarrette; son and companion, Tyson (Laura) Ruhge; and wildly adored grandchildren, Theo and Eloise Navarrette, and Damian Ruhge.
Bruce was born December 5, 1959, in Omaha, Nebraska, and lovingly adopted by parents Roy and Joan (Place) Ruhge of Avoca, Nebraska, who preceded him in death. Bruce’s early childhood was spent in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with the Garden of the Gods as his nearby backyard. He later returned to Avoca, Nebraska. Bruce attended and graduated from Syracuse High School, where his love for sports was evidenced by his participation on the basketball and baseball teams.
Bruce met Lynette in 1983 and was eager to make her his bride, proposing 2 months into the relationship. The couple married on July 7, 1984, in Beatrice, Nebraska. Anxious to expand their loving family, Bruce and Lynette welcomed their first born, Chelsea, on October 25, 1985. The Ruhge family grew again on October 15, 1989, with their second born, Tyson. Bruce shared his passion for sports with his children by instigating family outings to sporting events, like their visit to the stadium of his favorite baseball team, the Baltimore Orioles, and by coaching the softball and baseball teams of his children and niece. His deep understanding of and love for the game made him a memorable coach.
Most of Bruce’s career was spent in sales, and he recently retired in November 2022. His near dream job opportunity finally arrived in retirement when he began working event security and was paid to watch baseball at Werner Park.
In addition to being a husband, dad, and PopPop, Bruce was a lover of all things Coca-Cola, a member of the KISS Army, a fan of The Wizard of Oz, and a true character. Bruce’s most stand-out quality was his childlike spirit; he spent much effort planning antics, poking fun, and playing tricks, all to bring joy to daily life. Making a fool of himself was a worthy sacrifice when it was repaid with sweet laughter. Bruce was truly One of a Kind.
In addition to his immediate family, Bruce is survived by sister Janie (Scott) Seperich; sister-in-law Joyce (Jim) Cronin; sister-in-law Sharon Wilkins; brother-in-law Mark (Julie) Weishahn; father-in-law Richard Weishahn; and nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bruce was preceded in death by his brother, Mark Norris.
Visitation: Wednesday, February 1 from 5-7 pm at Braman Mortuary Southwest Chapel, 6505 S. 144th St., Omaha, NE
Celebration of Bruce's Life: Thursday, February 2 at 11 am, also at Braman Mortuary Southwest Chapel
Interment: Flower Hill Cemetery
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