Col. Marvin Lloyd Ruehling

Col. Marvin Lloyd Ruehling passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on December 2, 2016 in Perryville, Missouri, at the age of 74. Marvin is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Jane Ruehling of Perryville, daughter Karen (Will) Krieger, son Daryl (Chasity) Ruehling, seven grandchildren Gabriel, Gradon, and Gavin Ruehling and Christopher, Dakota, Cheyenne, and Gabriel Krieger, all Perryville. Also including, sisters-in-law Vickie (Keith) Dreyer, Kathy Bacon and Brother-in-law Jack (Carolyn) Bacon, one niece and 4 nephews. Marvin is preceded in death by his father Leo Ruehling, mother Nora Ruehling, and brother Larry Ruehling. Marvin was born on July 5, 1942, in Cape Girardeau, MO, to Leo and Nora Ruehling. He graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1961. Working his way through college, as he was the first in his family to graduate 8th grade, Marvin spent summers picking peas in the fields of Wisconsin. He married Jane in 1966, just after they both had graduated with teaching degrees from Southeast Missouri State University. After a summer spent picking apples, Marvin began his career teaching shop in Bell City, MO. After 2 years, they moved to Potosi, MO, where Marvin built his first home. In 1976, he moved to Perryville and started his career at Perry County District #32. Marvin was the building trades instructor for four years. Each year he and his students built an entire house from start to finish as well as one he built for his family in the summer of 1977. Marvin then became the Adult Education Supervisor, Career Center Director, and finally, Principal of Perryville High School. He retired in 1999 after 33 years in education. Marvin was recognized by the Missouri State Department of Education as a leader of excellence in the Career Center. He supervised the building of the current Career Center and was instrumental in bringing the A+ college tuition program to Perryville High School. While in Perryville, Marvin continued going to SEMO, graduating with both his Master’s and Specialist degrees in Educational Administration. He was just two courses shy of completing his Doctoral program at Southern Illinois University. Marvin wasn’t just working at the school during those 33 years, as he held additional jobs. He was a real estate agent and part owner of a real estate company. He was a landlord, and at one time, he owned more than ten homes, including two farms. On one farm he raised a few cows, pigs, and chickens just to remember his childhood days. His small farm also helped improve the local pigs by introducing quality registered LandRace hogs. Marvin was a 4-H leader and was assistant coach for a T-ball team. After retiring, Marvin started his own auction business with his son Daryl. Together, he and Daryl attended the auctioneer school, earning them both the title of Colonel. Marvin enjoyed working on antique tractors and has fourteen in his collection refurbished. When all that seemed mundane, Marvin bought a fixer upper in Florida in which to spend his winters. Marvin was skilled with his hands as well, from working on his antique clock collection of over 50 clocks to making a dulcimer instrument from plain wood. He enjoyed his retirement by traveling with his wife to 45 states, as well as to both Mexico and Canada. Marvin was an active leader in organizing trips for his high school class of 1961. This past summer the class enjoyed a trip to Branson, MO. Marvin was a founding member of the Lutheran Church in Potosi, helping by designing and leading the members in building the first Lutheran church in town. He was a past Vice President, trustee, on the board of communication, and Sunday School teacher at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Perryville, MO. He served on the school board for five years for the Immanuel Lutheran School. Marvin served on the Planning/Zoning Board for Perryville for nearly 25 years. He was on the local Cable Board and the Workforce Investment Board for the region. Marvin was a well-loved leader. His children remember him as a gentle, but firm, guiding hand who always encouraged them to pursue their goals and dreams. He will be missed, but his family is encouraged by knowing he has finally completed his bucket list by meeting his Savior. Visitation for Marvin will be at Young & Sons Funeral home from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, December 6. A funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m., Wednesday, December 7 at Grace Lutheran Church in Uniontown, with a reception to follow at the church. Reverends Winningham and Marks will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Marvin's life. Marvin believed in helping others with his time, hands, and finances. Instead of flowers a charitable donation in his name to continue his legacy of giving would be welcome. The family would enjoy knowing his time of helping others is not over. Condolences can be sent to Youngandsonsfuneral.com. The family would like to thank Dr. Barbara Horn for her efforts, care, and dedication in helping Marvin to enjoy the last months of his life.

Tributes

Col. Marvin Lloyd Ruehling

July 5, 1942 - December 2, 2016