POTOSI – Fred Ruef, age 85, of Potosi, passed away on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at MercyOne in Dubuque, Iowa.  He was born on January 26, 1937, in Bern, Switzerland, the son of William and Klara (Trasheal) Ruef.  In 1951, Fred and his family moved to Wisconsin.  Fred attended school in Green County.  He was employed with the Monroe Cheese Corp. in Monticello and later at Swiss Colony.  Fred was part-owner of the Glarner Stube Swiss Restaurant in New Glarus as well as maintaining employment at the cheese factory.  He also served as a guide for the Swiss Historical Society.  In 2007, Fred was re-united in marriage to Carol Wilson.  Together, they enjoyed golfing.  Fred also enjoyed the outdoors, playing slot machines at the casino, watching NASCAR and sports on the television, especially the Green Bay Packers.  He dearly loved spending time with his family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.   

Survivors include his wife, Carol; their children: Laurie (Ronald) Dressler; Julie (Terry) Dunn; Fred (Marianne) Ruef; Wendy (Terry) Hawkinson; 11 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; one sister, Frieda Ruef; other relatives and many friends.

In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by a grandson, Garrett Ruef; three brothers: Walter, William, and Hugo Ruef.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 10, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Holiday Gardens Event Center in Potosi.  Burial will be at a later date.  Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Potosi is assisting the family.

Online condolences: www.martinschwartzfuneralhomes.com