Richard Joseph “Richie” Ruhmann, 53, of Columbia, IL, born July 16, 1969, passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2023, after a brave battle with cancer.

Richie worked for many years at Hurst-Rosche, Inc. until he found his dream job as an Engineering Technician with IDOT in 2017. Within four years of his career at IDOT, he was able to advance from an Engineering Technician I to an Engineering Technician IV!

Rich enjoyed hunting, fishing from his pond he built for his nieces and nephews, snowmobiling, sitting on his back porch listening to KSHE-95, and spending time with his family and friends. From the day he was diagnosed he was always looking for a research trial, doubtful it would benefit him, but he wanted to do what he could to help others.  He always gave more than he took, had a smile that lit up the room, and gave the best hugs.

He was preceded in death by his father, Stanley Ruhmann Sr., stepmother Judith Ruhmann, paternal grandparents Ralph and Rosanna Ruhmann Sr., maternal grandparents Emil and Martha Becherer, godfather Ralph Ruhmann Jr. and nephews Tyler Reitz and Adam Goessling.

He is survived by mother Lou Ann Ruhmann of Waterloo, IL; brothers and sisters, Stanley (Laurel) Ruhmann Jr of New Athens, IL, Colleen (Bruce) Goessling of Waterloo, IL, Jeanie (Lowell) Reitz of Waterloo, IL, and Danny Ruhmann of New Athens, IL ; nieces and nephews, Tara Reitz, Kymberly (Brad) Beebe, Kelley (LeRoy) Goeden, goddaughter Kellsie (Anthony) Schreder, Matthew Goessling, and Davin Ruhmann; nine great nieces and nephews, Makenna, Maddox, Tess, and Harrison Beebe; Carsyn, Clark, and Chloe Goeden; Adeline Reitz; Beau Goessling; and Lincoln “Curly” Schreder; also godmother Thelma “Peggy” Ruhmann. Richie was loved by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, including special friends Amanda Hume and Peggy Perez.

Memorials may be made to: American Association for Cancer Research or The BJC Foundation for Hospice.

Visitation: Friends and family may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, and 9 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at St. Agatha Catholic Church in New Athens, IL.

Funeral: Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at St Agatha Catholic Church in New Athens, IL with Father Von Deeke officiating.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.

1. James Widel says:

   06/21/2023 at 4:58 pm

   Always had a smile on his face and could put you in a good mood, one of a kind Rest In Peace.

   Reply
2. Matthew G Tebbe says:

   06/20/2023 at 5:37 pm

   Your pain is no longer. No more suffering. Now you can go snowmobiling anywhere. God Bless.

   Reply
3. Phyllis J. Gale {Heintz} says:

   06/20/2023 at 6:37 am

   So very sorry for your loss and my prayers go out to the family.

   Reply
4. Peggy Perez says:

   06/19/2023 at 11:02 pm

   Your pain and suffering have ended,and for that I am grateful, but for the many of us who love you, the loss is enormous, and I can’t imagine the pain and suffering ever ending. I am trying my hardest to focus on all of the beautiful memories and will never listen to music, drink a glass of whiskey, enjoy a ribeye, or watch a meteor shower (just to name a few) without thinking of you. Hopefully one day the tears will be replaced by smiles when doing so. You have a heart of gold and I am grateful for every moment spent with you and for every beautiful memory I have of you. You never failed to make me smile…even when I was furious with you. You are one of a kind, and you taught me to love life again. I hope I can continue to live happily now that you’re gone, but my heart is broken and I miss you tremendously. Thank you for enriching my life. I am especially grateful for being able to be by your side this last year.
   Thank you for trusting me to help care for you. Now go rest high on that mountain, and know what a positive influence you were in my life.
   All my love, Peggy

   Reply