Ernest B. Ruegsegger

Ernest Brian Ruegsegger, “Butch,” age 59, was taken home to God doing what he loved on January 29th, 2026. He was born to Ernest and Pam (Wolff) Ruegsegger on September 4th, 1966. He was a loving son, brother, cousin, nephew, friend, and outdoorsman. His passion for the outdoors started at a young age and only grew with time. Even when he wasn’t in the woods or on the water, he always wore some form of camouflage [typically camo suspenders] to remind him of where he wanted to be.

He was asked recently what he considered his greatest strength and he said “patience.” This strength made him likeable at work and in his personal life. When he took his family or friends out hunting or fishing, his patience helped him manage broken fishing poles, recover lost poles, shrug off fresh snow being shaken down his jacket, position everyone properly for deer drives, and teach others the things that just came naturally to him. If anyone wanted to experience his passions alongside him, he willingly took them under his wing to teach them what he knew. Nothing brought him greater joy than bringing others into the hunting and fishing community.

Over the last year, his faith in Jesus grew and he was eager to learn more about God. With this desire to know God and accept Jesus into his heart, he was most assuredly greeted with open arms into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Ernest is survived by his mother, Pamela Fisher; his sister, Becky Ugwuanna, and his long-time hunting companion and best friend, Zachariah Stern.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Ruegsegger, and sisters, Cheryl Arnett and Zandy Ruegsegger.

Additional funeral arrangement details will be posted once confirmed. In honor of Ernest, the family requests wake and funeral attendees wear camouflage in some form.


To view the obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

 Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Windsor/DeForest Chapel
6924 Lake Road
608-846-4250