John E. Ruhland

John E. Ruhland, age 79, of Montgomery passed away at Mayo System Hospital in New Prague, on Tuesday, December 1.

John was born on August 30, 1941 in Montgomery, MN to Frank Ruhland and Dorothy (Dvorak) Ruhland, he was their only child. John graduated from Montgomery High School in 1959, attended Mankato State and was in the Army Reserves from 1960 to 1965.
John settled in Montgomery and went into business with his parents at the Red Owl Grocery Store in downtown Montgomery. In 1966 John took over the business and moved the store location to Oak Ave. His customers were his friends, and his employees, part of his family. John was proud to have given many young members of his community their first jobs. He taught many young men and women that hard work is important, and life should be fun. After he sold the store in 1988, he managed the Legion Club in Montgomery and retired after 17 years at North Star Auto Auctions in Shakopee.

John enjoyed hunting, especially his South Dakota pheasant hunts, fishing, playing cards, and spending time with family. It gave Johnny great joy to be a bit shocking to people, always hoping for an audience to give a wink to and draw a little snicker from. In his later years John treasured his work in profanity. Johnny's wit and colorful humor will always be missed.

John is survived by his wife of 29 years, Joannie; children Chris Ruhland (Liz),
Marina McGuire (Dan), Tena Tuttle (Curt), and Jason Ruhland; 9 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; stepchildren Joel Terrio and Jenny McMahon (Dan) and 4 step grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Dorothy Ruhland.

There will be a private service held for his family.

Arrangements are with the Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery 507-357-6116. On-line condolences may be left at www.schoenbauerfuneralhome.com.