Geraldine A. "Ma" Rufer, age 78 of Monticello, peacefully passed away on Friday, December 29, 2017 at her home. She was born on November 20, 1939 in Monroe, the daughter of Glenn and Alice (Stettler) Hasse. Ma graduated from Monroe High School and married Emil Rufer Jr. on July 3, 1965. The couple owned and operated the Boar's Nest in Monticello for many years. Ma was a member of the Monticello Community Club and a former Monticello Lioness. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, fishing, sewing, playing the slots, playing cards, and hanging out at the bar meeting new people.
She is survived by five children, Kristy McNett of Monroe, Kathy Busjahn of Rockford, IL, Kurt (Rebecca) Busjahn of Peshtigo, WI, Gerald (Mariann) Rufer, and Jon (Rachel) Rufer all of Monticello; eight grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; two sisters, Marilyn (Bill) Hartwig, and Glenda Endrulat, both of Monroe; and nieces and nephews. She is further survived by the father of Ma's three oldest children, Marvin (Jean) Busjahn of Rockford, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Emil, on May 8, 1989; a grandson, Patrick Turner in 1981; and a brother-in-law, Bill Endrulat.
A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2018, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Voegeli-Newcomer Funeral Home, 360 S. Garfield St., Monticello. As an expression of sympathy, memorials in Ma's name are suggested in lieu of flowers. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net. The family will greet friends following the visitation at the Boar's Nest.
A special thank you to Larry Strause and Robert "Haldi" Haldiman for their friendship and to Monroe Hospice and all the other nurses that took such great care of Ma.
She is survived by five children, Kristy McNett of Monroe, Kathy Busjahn of Rockford, IL, Kurt (Rebecca) Busjahn of Peshtigo, WI, Gerald (Mariann) Rufer, and Jon (Rachel) Rufer all of Monticello; eight grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; two sisters, Marilyn (Bill) Hartwig, and Glenda Endrulat, both of Monroe; and nieces and nephews. She is further survived by the father of Ma's three oldest children, Marvin (Jean) Busjahn of Rockford, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Emil, on May 8, 1989; a grandson, Patrick Turner in 1981; and a brother-in-law, Bill Endrulat.
A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2018, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Voegeli-Newcomer Funeral Home, 360 S. Garfield St., Monticello. As an expression of sympathy, memorials in Ma's name are suggested in lieu of flowers. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net. The family will greet friends following the visitation at the Boar's Nest.
A special thank you to Larry Strause and Robert "Haldi" Haldiman for their friendship and to Monroe Hospice and all the other nurses that took such great care of Ma.