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of Dexter, age 104, died Monday, January 13, 2025, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital. He was born September 4, 1920, on the family farm in Dexter, Michigan, the son of Emil A. and Hazel L. (Campbell) Ruhlig.

Albert served in the US Navy Reserve in the South Pacific during World War II, serving in Japan, China, and the Caroline Islands from December 5,1944 to June 7, 1946. He was in Tokyo Bay the day before the signing of the peace treaty, when his ship the U.S.S. Tappehanock fueled the battleship Missouri, where the formal surrender was signed by Emperor Hirohito and General Douglas MacArthur. Albert returned to the family farm and later purchased the adjacent farm in 1946, where he would spend the remainder of his life. He was baptized in 1920, at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in Detroit. He was confirmed in 1935, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, where he was active in many leadership roles, such as Church Elder and Sunday School Teacher, until 1973, when he transferred his membership to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea. He remained active in church leadership until he retired in 1986, but continued to be active in the church until his death.

Albert received the 4-H Gold Clover Award for his years as a 4-H Club Leader. He served seven years as President of the Dexter School Board during the building of Wylie School in the 1960's. He served on the Dexter Township’s Zoning Board and Planning Commission, was active with the Federal Land Bank serving as Director until he retired in 1986, and was active with Michigan Milk Producers and Washtenaw County Farm Bureau. He enjoyed local school sports activities. Albert retired from active farming in January of 1986, and spent the next 20 years wintering in Sarasota, FL at the RV Resort where he was on the horseshoe team.

On April 17, 1948, he married Madonna H. Guhl at Trinity Lutheran Church in Monroe, Michigan, and she preceded him in death on April 5, 2013. They raised three sons who survive, Mark (Marcia) Ruhlig of Sharpsville, IN, John Ruhlig of Chelsea, and David (Lori) Ruhlig of Dexter; as well as eight grandchildren, David, Clare, Kasie, Aaron, Betsy, Roman, Brian, and Scott; twelve great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was the third of 10 children, and only his sister, Alice Gall remains.

Funeral services were held Monday, January 20, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea, with Rev. Daniel Pezzica officiating. Burial followed at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea. The family received friends at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, Sunday, January 19, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. and at the church Monday, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1515 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118.

Click here to watch the video of Al's funeral


You may use the form below to share a memory or leave a public message for Albert's family. Please allow 24hrs for us to review and post your comment. 

Comments  

#7 Doug Nickels 2025-01-23 15:13
Al was good friends with my mom and dad - Bob and Olga Nickels, as well as, my uncle Carl Brauer an my aunt Isabell Brauer. We all attended St. Paul’s Lutheran church in Ann Arbor. Al would always make a point to greet my wife and I at Our Savior church. He was a kind man. I’m sorry to his family on his passing. Doug an Irene Nickels-Idaho Falls,ID.
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#6 Carolyn Aiello 2025-01-22 21:45
Thoughts and prayers for the family. Remembering Al and family from St Paul’s. Sat with him at Camp Arcadia several years ago. A vibrant Christian model for many.
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#5 William & Sarah Ball 2025-01-20 15:45
Please accept our sincere condolences to your family & Friends and please know you will all be in our continued thoughts and prayers
Thank you Mr. Ruhlig for your service May God Bless you and your family.
Mr. & Mrs. William Ball
( Billy & Sarah (Wenk) Ball
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#4 Peggy M Haines 2025-01-19 07:44
My heartfelt sympathy to your family.
Andy and I always enjoyed seeing and
Visiting with Al. Al was such a pillar to
The Dexter Community.
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#3 Cindy Yokanovich 2025-01-17 13:43
I'm so sorry for your loss. You will all be in our prayers.
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#2 Cindy Fischer 2025-01-16 13:50
So sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers
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#1 Kathryn Bradbury 2025-01-15 14:04
Sorry fr your loss of Albert, enjoyed the Tues. morning breakfast . Kathryn Bradbury
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