Obituary of Daniel Louis Rueden, Sr

Daniel L. “Big D” Rueden, Sr 1954-2023

Age 69, of Medford formerly Spencer, WI passed away in the evening hours on Tuesday April 11, 2023 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. 

A gathering of “Big D’s” family and friends will take place on Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 12 Noon at Life Tributes Funeral Home in Spencer. Following the visitation at the funeral home, those gathered are also invited out to the T & T Riders Clubhouse for potluck and to continue sharing thoughts and memories of Daniel. (Please contact (715) 507-1077 for the potluck).

Daniel was born to Antone and Lorraine (Klesick) Rueden on January 13, 1954 in Unity. He attended school in Arpin and Auburndale, but never graduated. He worked as a woodsman or a logger for several years. Dan became a certified oil well driller while living in Texas, with learning those skills of oil well drilling Daniel applied it to water well drilling for a company in Auburndale, WI. Dan was an electrician at Wisconsin Homes for a number of years before retiring June 7, 2014. Daniel also did a lot of side jobs ranging from white washing barns, farm work, lawn work, and landscaping for Carl's landscaping. He also lended a helping hand fixing tillers, weed trimmers, lawn mowers, chainsaws and even small mechanical repairs on vehicles. Daniel always said he was a jack of all trades and a master of none, but whatever he was working on he put his whole heart and soul into that task just to be able to provide for his family and to be a true friend to others. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and long drives just to see the fall scenery. Dan loved to grill year-round sharing his delicious talents with his family and friends. He loved potluck gatherings of friends and family as well. Daniel liked dancing and singing to the old “good” songs. He enjoyed cutting lawns on his zero-turn lawn mower affectionately called his “salad shooter”.

Those who will cherish his memory include his ex-wives, Janet Casewell and Bernice Rueden, his children: Sue Anna M. Kohl of Edgar, WI, Daniel L. Rueden of Rib Lake, WI and Gloria R. Rueden of Rib Lake, WI; his sisters, Mildred Tischman of Cadott, WI and Lorea Manthe of Loyal, WI and his on and off again girlfriend of 10 years, Nancy L. Hart of Medford, WI along with many other relatives and friends.

Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, Antone and Lorraine Rueden; his sisters: Lillian Engles, Mary Spatz and Charlotte Weister; his brothers August Rueden and Leroy Rueden, as well as his youngest son, Christian John Rueden (C.J.) along with many other family members and friends.

If desired, the family is accepting memorials in Daniel’s name for a charity yet to be determined by his children.

Daniel’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home Spencer, WI. To share a memory, photo, or offer a condolence, please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com.