Obituary of Donald Robert Ruchti

Donald was born on March 12, 1945, in Minneapolis MN to Clarence and Elizabeth (Miller) Ruchti.  Don grew up in Willmar MN where he met his high school sweetheart and future wife Paulette Lillian Finstrom.  Don was united in marriage to the Love of his life Paulette and together they had a son Donald (Butch) Ruchti Jr and a daughter Lisa (Ruchti) Wolf.  Don enjoyed lake life with Paulette, living on Maple Lake most of their life and spent time fishing, jet skiing and snowmobiling.  Don was one tough guy and a hardworking man.  Don started doing drywall as a young man and in later years worked with his son to grow the family-owned drywall business where they worked together for almost 30 years before Don retired in 2008.  Don moved to St. Cloud in 2018 to be closer to family and enjoyed building a new home and riding his side by side around the neighborhood.  Don always had a wave for the neighbors and didn’t go anywhere without his diet coke!  Don had a good sense of humor and loved practical jokes-one of his favorites was a whoopy cushion at the holidays.

Donald is survived by his son: Donald JR (Butch) and Lisa Ruchti of St. Cloud MN; daughter: Lisa (Ruchti) and Dennis Wolf of Klamath Falls OR, Grandchildren: Kristina (Ruchti) and Keegan Armstong; Nicholas Ruchti and finance Madeleine Christen; and Hanna (Wolf) and Mariano Segura. Don’s first great grandchild is on the way, due in December. Also surviving is his sister: Marilyn (and Al) Nordin. 

Don was preceded in death by his Parents, Clarence and Elizabeth, his wife Paulette, his sister Verna (Bob) Leiske, brothers Ronald (and Sue) Ruchti and Marvin (and Kris) Ruchti.    

Special thanks to the amazing staff at Mille Lacs Senior Care Geriatric Mental Health facility in Onamia MN for their kindness and compassion and excellent care that they provided Don during his 3 months stay with them.

Gone but not forgotten.... forever in our hearts-until we meet again.