Robert S. Ruhlin

Robert S. Ruhlin, age 89, died peacefully, surrounded by family, on Friday, October 21, 2016, at FCHC. He was born November 29, 1926, in Wauseon, Ohio, to Sherman I. and Jessie J. (Lehman) Ruhlin. He married Doris J. Bruner on December 19, 1948.

Bob joined the U.S. Navy shortly after his graduation from Wauseon High School in 1944. His military involvement led him to schooling at the University of Chicago where he studied business. Upon his discharge from the service he attended Defiance College, graduating in 1950, with a B.S. in Education. In 1956, he received a Masters in Education degree from Bowling Green State Univ.

Bob began his teaching career in Fort Recovery, Ohio, and in 1952, returned to his home town of Wauseon to complete his time in the classroom, teaching over 3,000 students. The last 29 years of his 33 years in education were dedicated as teacher-coordinator for Wauseon High School Distributive Education program, and was well-known in the community for his work with this program. During this time the DECA club had six state winners and one honorable mention in the nation, and was rated in the top 10 percent in Ohio over a 5 year period. Under his direction and guidance and with the help of the cooperating merchants in Wauseon, many students received on-the-job training and valuable experiences for use later in life.

In 1979, the Wauseon High School Chief Staff dedicated its year book to Mr. Ruhlin. During his teaching career at WHS, Bob was a member and past President of the Wauseon Education Association, member of the Ohio Education Association, the National Education Association of Distributive Education Teachers, the Ohio Vocational Association and the American Vocational Association. He was also one of the sponsors to the Alice Money Future Teachers of America Club and was its Advisor for 25 years. He was a member of Wauseon Legion Post #265 for over 70 years, and a former member of both the Wauseon Exchange Club and Wauseon Homecoming Committee.

Following his retirement from the Wauseon Schools in 1981, Bob continued his teaching and contact with students as a substitute teacher for area schools for an additional 13 years.

Bob and Doris celebrated 67 years of marriage and were blessed with two children, Robert (Jr.) (Beth) and Rita (Craig) Werner, five grandchildren, Michelle (Brad) Nicholson, Matthew Ruhlin, Mike Ruhlin, Nicole Spadafore and Jessica Spadafore, and one great grandchild, Avery Jean Malloy. He cherished family most of all and enjoyed travelling and spending time with them.

He was predeceased by his parents, Sherman and Jessie Ruhlin, sisters, Helen (Thomas) VanOsdall and Margaret (Robert) Weber.

He was also a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Wauseon where a Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, October 28, 2016, at 11:00amwith Rev. Ralph Wearstler officiating. Internment will be prior to the service at 10:00am at Wauseon Union Cemetery .

Friends may call on the family at First Christian Church on Thursday, October 27, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Memorial gifts may be made either to First Christian Church or charity of the donor’s choice. The Edgar-Grisier Funeral Home in Wauseon has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www GrisierFH.com.

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