William James Ruidl Obituary
William James Ruidl "Bill," departed this earth on March 2, 2023, following a long and difficult battle with COPD and other illnesses. Bill was born in Milwaukee on September 18, 1949, in Milwaukee to Harold and Jean (Schwabe) Ruidl. Bill leaves his sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Jerry Styberg, brother Gregory and his wife Jan, nephews Andrew Beduhn and Jeffrey (Katie) Ruidl, nieces Courtney (Tim) Krause and Lisa (Steve) Nosbisch and 5 great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Kathleen (James) Beduhn, infant brother Scotty, nephew Otto Beduhn, niece Rebecca Ruidl and beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.
Bill was intelligent, inquisitive, and lived of life of concern and care for others. He loved politics (and critiquing politicians) and news from all over the world. He was educated at Marquette University High School and Marquette University and carried the Ignatian values into his day-to-day life. He spent the first half of his life working for a foundation that focused on improving the lives of the poor in Africa.
After his mother became ill and his father needed assistance in caring for her, Bill returned to Milwaukee and back to his teen age career at Super Excavators. Bill worked as a project manager until retirement. Years later, he helped his father and Aunt Phyllis as they aged. His presence allowed them to stay in their own homes for many years. Bill had a natural gift of humor and his ability to bring that into his care for his parents and aunt, lightened everyone's mood.
The outdoors, especially the family cottage in Wautoma, brought great joy to Bill. He loved being in nature and puttering around fixing things from meticulously sanding the cottage before repainting, to caring for the boats and chopping endless firewood from the many trees. But nothing brought him happiness more than standing in a stream catching trout. He and Gregg spent many hours together exploring numerous creeks in Wisconsin and Montana to find the best spot to catch the elusive trout.
Like everyone in the family, Bill loved a good party, and his loud, distinctive laugh would fill the house. And nothing was better than good food, especially lamb chops and Patty's desserts and cookies. Simma's cheesecake was also acceptable.
In 2017, Bill was diagnosed with COPD. It radically changed his life as he struggled to breathe, and it curtailed his independence a great deal. There were other diagnoses that added to his struggles, but he was determined to beat them all and get back to the life he chose. In August 2022, he moved into skilled care, entering hospice a few weeks later. Bill, however, had no intention of dying because he felt there were things he needed to do. He remained determined to fight the diseases and any restrictions placed upon him.
Fight Song by Rachel Platten appropriately describes his attitude: This is my fight song, Take back my life song, Prove I'm alright song.
My power's turned on, Starting right now I'll be strong, I'll play my fight song, And I don't really care if anyone else believes, 'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me.
Know I've still got a lot of fight left in me.
Bill fought the good fight as long as he possibly could, and longer than anyone could have imagined. When there was no fight left, he quietly slipped away to reunite with his loved ones.
Bill received compassionate, patient, and loving care from Luther Manor Skilled Care and Hospice as well as Accent Hospice. Both institutions are shining examples of excellence in care of patients and families. We are very grateful for the attention and love all of you gave to Bill.
Visitation will be at the Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home, 10121 W. North Avenue, Wauwatosa on Saturday March 11, at 2pm until the prayer service at 2:30pm. See the funeral home web site for the full obituary.
