Funeral Services for Larry Ruegge, age 76 of O'Neill, NE will be at 10:30 AM Thursday, August 23, 2018, at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill. Burial will be in Scottsville Cemetery, north of O'Neill.  Rev. Wayne Owens will officiate.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 22, from 5-7 PM at Biglin's Mortuary.

Larry passed away Sunday, August 19, 2018 at the Parkside Manor in Stuart, NE.

Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.

Larry Lee Ruegge was born on November 25, 1941 in Norfolk, Nebraska to Clint and Hattie (Hass) Ruegge.  He attended country school in Battle Creek and Meadow Grove before moving with his family to O'Neill.  He graduated from O'Neill High School in 1959.

After graduating, Larry and his brother, Terry, worked for Prouty Construction, as well as helping out on the family farm.  He later moved on to milking cows.  One of Larry's proudest moments was when he won the Outstanding Young Farmer Award in 1970 from the O'Neill Jaycees for his milking and farming operation.  He had 85 cows at the time and he could milk all of them in 2 ½ hours.

On February 20, 1961, Larry snuck off to get married to his sweetheart, Martha Sue Miller.  However, on the way to Yankton, SD they ended up blowing the motor in the car and he had to call his mother to come give them a ride to the courthouse.  They made it to the courthouse and got married and his mother even treated them to dinner afterwards!  Larry and Marty made their home on the farm, northeast of O'Neill, where they raised their family.   He truly enjoyed working with his cattle, putting up hay, and working on tractors while on the farm.

In 1975, Larry sold out of milking cows, he did some custom farming and cutting silage for many of his neighbors.  He also did some work for Keating International in Atkinson, hauling tractors around the country. In 2011, Larry decided to sell all his cattle to have more time to care for his wife, Martha, who later passed away from cancer in 2012.  In May of 2015, due to complications with his health, Larry decided to retire completely and sell all of his beloved International Equipment.

Larry enjoyed bowling, playing cards, fishing, and hunting.  He was a member of the O'Neill FFA when he was in high school.

Larry is survived by his children; Tami (Woody Apger, JR.) Ruegge of Sioux Falls, SD, Theresa Guill of O'Neill, NE, Tonya (Garold) Slaymaker of O'Neill, NE, Larry Ruegge II of O'Neill, NE,  Traci Ruegge of O'Neill, NE; 10 grandchildren, Shaun (Amber) Ruegge, Heidi Ruegge, Derek Norton,  Danielle Peter,  Kelli Guill, Chance (Tana Luth) Nelson,  Kelsy Foree, Tyler (Tahneyea Clark) Fernau, Larry Anson, Drake Ruegge; 16 Great Grandchildren; sister-in-Law, Gloria Ruegge of O'Neill, NE; many nieces and nephews.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Martha Ruegge in 2012; one grandchild, Cody Ruegge in 2007; and one brother, Terry Ruegge in 2013.