John Van Ruler, 84, Luverne, died Sunday, Jan. 13, 2002, at Mary Jane Brown Good Samaritan Center in Luverne.
Services were Wednesday, Jan. 16, at American Reformed Church in Luverne. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Edgerton.
John Van Ruler was born to Henry and Maartje (Buys) Van Ruler on Oct. 1, 1917, near Lismore. At a young age he moved with his family to a farm near Leota.
He married Gertie Kooiman on Jan. 22, 1942. After marriage, they farmed for eight years near Lake Wilson. In 1950, they moved to a farm near Woodstock. In 1975, they retired and moved to Luverne. In 1992, he moved to Mary Jane Brown Good Samaritan Center. Mrs. Van Ruler died Jan. 11, 1999.
Mr. Van Ruler was a charter member of American Reformed Church in Woodstock where he served as deacon and elder. After moving to Luverne he also served as elder of American Reformed Church. He was a member of the Gideons and Luverne Senior Citizens.
Survivors include eight sons, Howard (Dorothy) Van Ruler, Waukon, Iowa, John (Reona) Van Ruler, Salida, Calif., Glenn (Terri) Van Ruler, Escalon, Calif., Marlin (Joyce) Van Ruler, Dennis (Deb) Van Ruler, all of Sioux Falls, S.D., Ron (Lynda) Van Ruler, Steen, Larry (SherryLyn) Van Ruler, Peyton, Colo., and Will (Pam) Van Ruler, Turlock, Calif.; three daughters, Donna (Don) Honken, Pipestone, Edna (Ed) Brands, Chandler, and Nancy (Vern) Van De Berg, Luverne; one brother, Martin (Jennie) Van Ruler; two sisters, Jennie DeKruif, and Ann Ruiter; 36 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren.
Colonial Funeral Home, Edgerton, was in charge of arrangements.