Michael R. Ruger, age 69 of Collinsville, IL, born September 10, 1955 in Flora, IL, left this earth after 12:00 a.m. on September 23, 2024. He is no longer bound by his failing body and no longer suffering. As many of you know, he was diagnosed with Posterior Cortical Atrophy, a rare form of Alzheimer's, at the age of 60.

Mike graduated from Collinsville High School, Class of 1973 and retired from US Steel Corporation after 47 years of service. He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville.

Mike was a son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and a friend to so many. He was an avid hiker and trout fisherman. He loved watching Cardinals baseball. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and could be quite the prankster at times. He was the happiest when he was in nature and with his two grandchildren. Fly high, Mike. We know where you are going. They'll be only tears of joy. We will take it from here.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Mitzi (nee Ruger) Bax.

Surviving are his parents, Richard and Johnalee (nee Edwards) Ruger; beloved wife, Beverly (nee Holst) Ruger, whom he married April 5, 1974 at Good Shepherd; a son, Patrick Ruger of Troy, IL; two grandchildren: Kendal and Kacey Ruger; two brothers: Danny (Debbie) Ruger and David Ruger; a sister, Cindy (Randy Jackson) Ruger-Storey; numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial visitation will be 11 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1300 Beltline Road, Collinsville, IL.

Memorial service will follow at noon with Rev. Andrew Packer officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Good Shepherd Lutheran School or Alzheimer's Association and will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.