February 08, 2025

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Obituaries

Albert Frederick Ruhlig

Albert Frederick Ruhlig

Albert Frederick Ruhlig of Dexter, Michigan, age 104, died Monday, January 13, 2025, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital. He was born September 4, 1920, on the family farm in Dexter, Michigan, the son of Emil A. and Hazel L. (Campbell) Ruhlig.

Albert served in the US Navy Reserve in the South Pacific during World War II, serving in Japan, China, and the Caroline Islands from December 5,1944 to June 7, 1946. He was in Tokyo Bay the day before the signing of the peace treaty, when his ship the U.S.S. Tappehanock fueled the battleship Missouri, where the formal surrender was signed by Emperor Hirohito and General Douglas MacArthur. Albert returned to the family farm and later purchased the adjacent farm in 1946, where he would spend the remainder of his life. He was baptized in 1920, at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Detroit. He was confirmed in 1935, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, where he was active in many leadership roles, such as Church Elder and Sunday School Teacher, until 1973, when he transferred his membership to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea. He remained active in church leadership until he retired in 1986, but continued to be active in the church until his death.

Albert received the 4-H Gold Clover Award for his years as a 4-H Club Leader. He served seven years as President of the Dexter School Board during the building of Wylie School in the 1960’s. He served on the Dexter Township’s Zoning Board and Planning Commission, was active with the Federal Land Bank serving as Director until he retired in 1986, and was active with Michigan Milk Producers and Washtenaw County Farm Bureau. He enjoyed local school sports activities. Albert retired from active farming in January of 1986, and spent the next 20 years wintering in Sarasota, FL at the RV Resort where he was on the horseshoe team.

On April 17, 1948, he married Madonna H. Guhl at Trinity Lutheran Church in Monroe, Michigan, and she preceded him in death on April 5, 2013. They raised three sons who survive, Mark (Marcia) Ruhlig of Sharpsville, IN, John Ruhlig of Chelsea, and David (Lori) Ruhlig of Dexter; as well as eight grandchildren, David, Clare, Kasie, Aaron, Betsy, Brian, Scott, and Roman; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was the third of 10 children, and only his sister, Alice Gall remains.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 20, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea, with Rev. Daniel Pezzica officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, Sunday, January 19, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. and at the church Monday, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1515 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118.