Obituary of Dorothea Wilma Ruggeberg

Ruggeberg, Dorothea Wilma (nee Krueger)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dorothea Ruggeberg on May 14, 2024 at the age of 85.  Dorothea is lovingly remembered by her husband Gerd, and children Andy (Sandra), and Barbara (Bob Whitewood). She will be forever cherished by her grandchildren Jason, Kristin, Erika and Deanna and her sisters Elvira Moss and Betty Krueger. She was predeceased by her sister Margitta Merke. Dorothea will also be greatly missed by her many nieces, nephews and friends.

Dorothea was born in Germany in 1938. As a young girl, she immigrated with her family to Missiones, Argentina. At 18, her parents asked her to come to Canada, and with the help of the church, she arranged a home and employment for her family. When this was done, her mother, father and three sisters joined her in Toronto. 

Through her involvement with the German Baptist Church youth group, she met Gerd Ruggeberg. Exactly one year later, they were married. This June 3rd marks their 63rd anniversary. After two years in Hamilton, they moved to a small farm in Grimsby with their two children, where they lived for 44 years. During that time, in addition to farming, she also taught night school tailoring courses, did the church books, and ran a roadside fruit stand. 

She always had a passion for handiwork. She would have many projects on the go and was never afraid to try something new. There was always a warm smile and ready hospitality for anyone that came to visit or help on the farm. One of the great loves of her life was her grandchildren. Spending weeks with them on the farm during the summers was truly a joy with plenty of adventures to be had. Helping Oma was a great way to learn so many things without realizing them.  She was always ready to play pretend or go for a swim.  

When Barb had cancer in 2009, Dorothea dropped everything, came home from Florida and cared for Erika and Deanna and Bob.  She saw this as one of her greatest gifts. Later that year, Dorothea and Gerd sold the farm and moved to Heritage Village in Vineland, Ontario. Since then, she and her husband have made many great friends in the community. She has also been very active and appreciated by her church family at Calvary Gospel Church. 

While The loss of Dorothea is heartbreaking, we know that her faith has sustained her through her rich and fulfilling life. She has gone home.

She will be sadly missed.

Family and friends may visit Tallman Funeral Homes Vineland Chapel, 3277 King Street, Vineland, Ontario on Friday, May 17, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.  

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday June 15th 11am at Vineland United Mennonite Church. 3327 Menno Street. A light lunch will be provided afterwards.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “the Building Fund”, Calvary Gospel Church in Beamsville, Ontario.