Brian S. Ruf, age 63 of rural Belmont, WI formerly of Darlington, WI passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at his home. He was born December 9, 1959, in Monroe, WI the son of Donald and Janis (Matley) Ruf. Brian grew up in Fayette, WI where he graduated from Darlington High School and later from the University of Wisconsin Madison – Ag Short Course. He dedicated 42.5 years of his life to Ag Source where he was a milk tester for many farmers around the area. Brian spent 26 years with his soulmate, Theresa (McDonald) McCarthy. Together they lived in rural Belmont where they raised two beautiful daughters: Megan and Cassie.
Brian is survived by the love of his life: Theresa McCarthy; his daughters: Megan (Amarinder) Singh and Cassandra McCarthy; his parents: Donald and Janis Ruf; two brothers: Alan (Janice) Ruf and Bart (Paul) Whitmore-Ruf; his mother-in-law: Camilla (Craugh) McDonald; his brothers- and sisters-in-law: John (Teresa) McDonald, Alice (Wayne) Knutson, Francis “Bud” (Janice) McDonald, Sara (Joe) Martens, Kathleen (Bruce) Lucey, Susan (Gary Ostertag) McDonald, Elizabeth (Ahmed Alshawi) McDonald, Colleen (Jeremy) Miner, and Christopher (Stephanie) McDonald; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Harold and Hilda Matley and Paul and Martha Ruf; his father-in-law: Raymond McDonald; a nephew: Aaron Lancaster; and a niece: Esma Alshawi.
His love of farming and the outdoors (hunting and fishing), golfing, and bowling, was reflected by his memberships in Pheasants Forever, Fayette Sportsmans Club, Midway Bowling, and Men’s Golf League at the Darlington Country Club. He loved taking trips, especially fishing and hunting elk, deer, and pheasant, with his family and many friends. He was a beloved mentor to many young hunters including Shane and Dustin Freiburger, and Austin, Matthew, and Johnathon McDonald.
Through his generous and caring spirit and ready smile, he could turn a complete stranger into a friend within moments. Brian had many wonderful friends and neighbors and he welcomed everyone into his Man Cave, which was a labor of love and a retreat and home to all who visited. He always had a game on, a fire going, and a cold beer ready. He celebrated life and his infectious laughter will continue to echo in the farms, fields, and lakes he cherished.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at First Baptist Church in Darlington with Rev. Nick McElrath, an occasional golf partner, officiating. A visitation will be held Friday, October 27, 2023, from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church in Darlington and on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, please view Brian’s obituary at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com and plant a tree in his name.
