Clara T. Ruegsegger, age 94 of Monroe passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at the SSM Health Hospice Home. She was one of thirteen children of Joseph and Mary (Laubmeier) Dischler born on August 12, 1931 in Plain, WI. Clara graduated from St. Luke’s Catholic High School in 1949. On May 6, 1950 Clara was united in marriage to Russell Ruegsegger in Plain, WI at St. Luke’s Catholic Church.
Clara farmed alongside her husband in South Wayne for many years and also worked at Swiss Colony. She was a talented artist who discovered her love of painting at the age of 83, and a skilled seamstress who lovingly created over 1,000 Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls. She enjoyed singing and sang with the Sweet Adelines for a number of years. She cherished time in her garden and flower beds, especially during the summer months of her younger years. Clara also enjoyed crocheting, working on puzzles, and a good book. Travel was another of her great passions. She explored much of the world, visiting Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, and Australia. In the United States, she traveled to 34 states, always saying that her favorite place was Ketchikan, Alaska.
Clara is survived by her children, Stephen (Carol) Ruegsegger, Robert (Jalaine) Ruegsegger, Bruce (Sherrell) Ruegsegger, Nancy (Brad) Pehl, and Jill Gille; 12 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Mary Jane Dischler; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Jeffrey; grandchildren, Ryan Ruegsegger and Christina Folgate; and twelve siblings.
A Celebration of Clara’s Life and catered lunch will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 12:00 PM Noon until 3:00 PM at the Monroe United Methodist Church. A Mass will be offered in Clara’s memory on May 9, 2026 at 4:00 PM at St. Victor’s Catholic Church in Monroe. Burial will take place in Union Cemetery in South Wayne at a later date.
Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shgfuneralhome.net.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund to benefit local charities will be established in Clara’s name.
Clara’s family would like to thank the SSM Hospice Home and Aster Assisted Living for the compassionate care they showed mom during her time with them.
