Charles J. “Charlie” Ruff, age 67, of Dubuque, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 8, 2023, at his home.  To honor Charlie there will be a Celebration of His Life held at a later date.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting Charlie’s family.

Charlie was born on March 30, 1956, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Carl and Irene (Engling) Ruff Sr.

Charlie attended St. Patrick’s Grade School and Wahlert Catholic High School.  He then attended Job Corps where he trained for his life long career.  He worked as a Park Ranger for Dubuque County Conservation and ran the marina at Mud Lake for several years.  Charlie married Suzanne Henry on May 21, 1977, at St. Paul Lutheran Church.  Sadly she would pass away on December 6, 2022.  Charlie loved being in the great outdoors.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and throwing horseshoes.  In his younger years Charlie was an avid bowler, helped out with the kids sports teams and was active with the Boy Scouts.  Charlie also liked to go to the casino on occasion to try his luck. He enjoyed the simple things in life like spending time at home and being with his family.  Charlie and his family and friends spent many a night around the card table playing Euchre and Poker.  Charlie especially enjoyed taking care of his grandchildren.  He will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Charlie’s memory include

his children,
Adam (Sarah) Ruff, Ely, IA,
Erin (Nick) McCormick, Dubuque, IA,
Travis (Amanda) Ruff, Dubuque, IA
and Nathan (Toni Lee) Ruff, Cedar Rapids, IA;

his grandchildren,
Hunter, Gavin, Brenna, Brielle, Lyla, Thea and Bodhi;

his siblings,
Cheryl R. (Lloyd) Hogan, Dubuque,
Cathy A.(Steve) Larson, Corona, CA,
Joan B. (Tom) Kuhle, Dubuque,
Jane M. (Duane) Meyer, Dubuque,
Jean M. (Gerald) Runde, Essexville, MI,
Joyce I. Bettcher, Dubuque,
Joseph A. (Dawn) Ruff, Dubuque,
Craig A. Ruff, Dubuque
and Neal A. (Kelly) Ruff, Dubuque;

a sister-in-law,
Dee Ruff, of Adel, IA;

and several nieces and nephews.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 45 years, Suzanne Ruff; and a brother, Carl Ruff Jr.

Charlie’s family would like to thank the 1st Responders and Charlie’s friends and neighbors for their kindness and support during this difficult time.

The family will thankfully receive your support through greeting cards and memorials in Charlie’s memory which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Charlie Ruff Family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com