Fallen Warriors

Frederic Ruehe - Class Of 1969

RADM Frederic Richard Ruehe, USN (Ret.)

RADM Frederic R Ruehe (USN Ret.). age 70, passed away July 18, 2021 after a thirteen year battle with a rare dementia. Known as Rick, Frederic was born May 3, 1951 at Fort Jackson, South Carolina to Richard and Florence Ruehe. Rick married Catherine Lynn Adkins on December 23, 1972 in Aurora, Illinois. They had two children Emily Puckett and Eric Ruehe.

Rick was raised in a military family and traveled the world as a child. He attended the University of Illinois on a NROTC scholarship. Rick became a helicopter pilot and served in the Navy for 34 years in many leadership roles before retiring in 2008 as a Rear Admiral.

Rick was a humble and kind man with a wonderful sense of humor. His smile softened everyone he met. He listened, was not quick to judge, and took care to consider all points of view. Rick served his country by leading, commanding and teaching the next generation of Sailors and Marines.

Rick was an incredible father who loved his children, taught them to be kind and encouraged them to make their own paths. He instilled values in them through his own example, and supported them as they grew into adults with their own families.

Rick loved his wife, Cathy, who loved and supported him every step of the way. He received remarkable and loving care during his last few years at the Southern Utah Veterans Home in Ivins, Utah.

Rick is survived by his wife, Catherine A Ruehe; his children Emily Puckett and Eric Ruehe; his grandchildren, Iyla Ruehe and James Puckett; as well as his brother John Ruehe and sisters Ann Adams and Cathy Moore Ruehe.

In lieu of flowers, Rick’s family requests that you consider donating to: The Association for Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration, theAFTD.org

LTJG Ruehe, USN received his wings as a Naval Aviator on January 23, 1976 at HT-18, NAS Ellyson Field, Pensacola, Florida. LTJG Ruehe was Navy Helicopter Designator Number R-13768.

Obituary for Frederic Richard Ruehe | Hughes Mortuary



 
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09/26/21 05:12 PM #1    

Bonnie Bridger (Mittelmaier) (1969)

Although I did know that Rick was not doing well at all and the last KHS Reunion I believe I saw him attend was the 40th, it still came as very sad news that he has passed.  His was a very long goodbye as he was stricken with a disease that robbed him of his ability to know his family and enjoy much of life.  Rick was one of the very first classmates I met when I walked into the 7th Grade Classroom of Mrs. Dillenger at Benjamin Syms JHS in 1963.  He was so smart and so nice and so cute!  Those school days seemed to melt away and boom we were graduating.  I am not surprised of all he achieved and how far he went in his career.  When I connected with him at the 40th I felt that possibly something wasn't quite right and then not long after, a family member reached out and asked us to remove him from the communication list as the messages were only confusing him.  So of course we did.  Well, he is now in a perfect place, at perfect peace, with many of our other classmates and so we go on.  He was a friend from so long ago.  

Bonnie Bridger Mittelmaier '69


09/27/21 06:58 AM #2    

Patrick Roberts (1968)

Rick Ruehe and I lived directly across a small grass yard from each other when our dads were stationed at Ft. Monroe in the early/mid 60s. Rick and I rode bikes together, were in Boy Scouts, and spent many a summer afternoon at the Officers Club pool and beach. He was smart, fun to be around, and always seemed to do the right thing when I thought making some trouble would be more fun. We lost touch when my dad changed duty stations and we moved to New York.

It never surprised me that Rick joined the military. Our families were military and it was a high calling. He knew what he wanted to do, pursued it with purpose and achieved great things. Fair winds and following seas Admiral Ruehe. Godspeed Rick.       


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