Roy H. Rufer, age 71 of Monroe, died unexpectedly on Friday, February 13, 2009 at the University Hospital in Madison. He was born on June 28, 1937, in Monroe, the son of Edward and Marianna (Brugger) Rufer. He attended Buckskin country school and Monroe High School. Roy and Ann Marie Blumer were married on November 8, 1958 in Moscow, Pennsylvania. He farmed with his brother Clarence until buying an excavation business, which has become Rufer & Son Excavating, Inc. Roy was a past Governor of the Moose Lodge #754, and Supervisor of Sylvester Township for many years. He was an active member of St. John's United Church of Christ, serving on the Property Committee, and on the ushering team. Roy was a workaholic, enjoyed getting in and getting the job done, especially when he was doing his backhoe work.

Surviving is his wife of 50 years, Ann; son, Russell (Kathy) Rufer; daughter, Sue (Jeff) Fox, all of Monroe; grandchildren, Kali Rufer of Myrtle Beach, SC, Briana Rufer of Monroe, Mallary Fox of Monroe, Garrett Fox of Monroe; step-grandchildren, Nicholas Miller and Michelle Persoon; mother-in-law, Marie Blumer of Moscow, PA; brother-in-law, Jim (Joan) Blumer of Moscow, PA; sisters-in-law, Pam Rufer of Davenport, FL, Jane (Ken) Williams, Wyalusing, PA and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Roy was predeceased by his parents and brothers, Willis and Clarence.

Funeral services will be held aat 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at St. John's United Church of Christ. Officiating will be Rev. Gretchen Sylvester, with burial in Greenwood Cemetery in Monroe. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being established in Roy's memory for St. John's United Church of Christ.