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In memory of

Leo A Ruggle

Northfield, Minnesota

January 31, 1935 - June 9, 2020

Jan 31, 1935 - Jun 9, 2020

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Leo A. Ruggle passed away peacefully on June 9, 2020. He was 85. Born in Conception, Missouri on January 31, 1935 to A.O. and Marie (McCann) Ruggle, Leo moved with his family to Perry, Iowa when he was eight. After graduating from St. Patrick’s High School in Perry, he received his Bachelor’s Degree from Loras College in Dubuque. He served in the US Army before completing his MBA at Michigan State University and his PhD at Iowa State University. He taught Accounting at Minnesota State University, Mankato for over eighteen years before retiring in Northfield, MN.

Leo married Rosemary Kautzky on June 10, 1961 in Perry. They had eight children: Bridget (Kai) Allen (Crosby, MN), Christine (Mark) Davis (Costa Mesa, CA), Teresa Ruggle (Iowa City, IA), Elizabeth Helfter (Hopkins, MN), Monica (Brad) Gerberding (Otsego, MN), Jennifer Ruggle (died at age eight), Kathryn Ruggle (Dennison, MN), and Matthew (Danielle) Ruggle (Edina, MN). Leo leaves behind fourteen grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. He’s also survived by three sisters: Ruth Ruggle (Perry, IA), Helen Ruggle (Perry, IA), and Clarita Penczek (Joliet, IL).

Organized and efficient, with a wry sense of humor, Leo was loved by his family, his students, and his community. His devotion to his wife, children, and grandchildren was obvious in his everyday deeds and the utterly practical gifts he gave them. He was passionate about education, often saying he wanted to teach his students how to learn, rather than just have them memorize facts and numbers. The things Leo taught his own children by example—from lawn mowing and dishwasher loading to problem solving and a strong code of ethics—will stay with them forever. Also, his chili was legendary.

As a safety precaution, no traditional funeral will be held. A memorial celebration for immediate family will be scheduled at a later date. In his memory, donations to Doctors Without Borders (https://www.doctorswithoutbor…) and Minnesota Public Radio (https://www.mpr.org/) are encouraged, as is planting a tree. Leo always sought to treat everyone with dignity and compassion, and following his example would be the best way to honor him.

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