Alvin M. Rueger

Alvin Michael Rueger was born at home on 7-mile Rd, Freeland, MI, on October 22, 1935 to Andrew and Agnes Rueger. He was the fourth of four living children born to the family. Alvin left this life early on January 1, 2025 at the home of his daughter Diane and her husband, John in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Alvin was united in Marriage to Judith Swan on April 22, 1961. To this union two daughters were born, Diane and Valerie.

Alvin was an avid, master gardener. He loved to plant enough potatoes, tomatoes and strawberries for the whole neighborhood. His sunflowers and mums were also prolific. Due to the good Michigan soil and his skill, there were tons of fresh veggies and fruits available every summer. Much of this bounty was canned and preserved by Judy and the girls. The girls especially loved popping fresh peas in the garage for hours. Alvin had an engineer’s mind. He was great at fixing cars, helping his sons-in-law on many occasions with vehicle repairs. Alvin worked in construction when he was young, learning to be a great welder. He was a welder at Eaton Corporation for 35 years. He also helped to farm his dad's and brothers’ farms alongside his welding career for many years.

 He loved his wife, kids, grandkids and family fiercely. Almost to his dying breath, he was making sure everyone had what they needed. Alvin and Judy traveled many miles to visit children and grandchildren from Massachusetts, to Tennessee, to Florida, to Indiana, to Oklahoma, and many other trips. Al drove, Judy navigated.

Alvin was a lifelong Lutheran. He received Holy Baptism as an infant, was confirmed and married in the Lutheran church. He and his family were members of St John Lutheran in Amelith. He made sure that his daughters were confirmed and married to good Christian men. He loved his sons-in-law as much as his daughters. He was thrilled that his grand kids were baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church.

Alvin and Judy lived in the same house in Freeland MI most of their 64 years together. Their home was a gathering place for many family events and get togethers throughout those years. Alvin was preceded in death by His parents, Agnes and Andrew, his brothers Eldor and Alfred, an infant brother, and his sister Luetta Behmlander. He is survived by his wife Judy, daughters Diane Wackler (John) of Stillwater, OK, and Valerie Parrish (Steve) of Valrico, FL. He is also survived by grandchildren, Jonathan Wackler of Stillwater, OK, Megan Elder (Jake) of Midland, TX, Abigail Wackler of Oklahoma City, Timothy Parrish of Valrico, FL, and Joshua Parrish of Wesley Chapel, FL. He is also survived by sister Luetta’s children, Joanne and Cary Behmlander, as well as sister-in-law Jane Bordour (John) of Au Gres, MI, and brother in laws Jim Schnell, and Joe Swan, along with many nieces, and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Steve Parrish, Joshua Parrish, John Wackler, Jonathan Wackler, David Hammerbacher, and Cary Behmlander.

Funeral service for Alvin will be at St. John Lutheran Amelith, Bay City, MI on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 10:30 am with Pastor Jerry Gauthier officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, January 10, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Gephart Funeral Home and Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be considered to St. John Amelith Lutheran Church.