Mark J Von Ruden

Mark J. Von Ruden, 42 of La Crosse, died on Sunday, July 28th at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center due to complications of Leukemia. He had graduated in 1989 from Aquinas High School then attended Chippewa Valley Technical College to become a linesman. He had married Jeanette St. Sauver and they later divorced. He had worked numerous construction jobs and most recently was working for the City of La Crosse Street Department. Mark will always be remembered for his hard work ethic, sense of humor and inviting personality. When he wasnt working on his many projects or helping friends, he loved being on the river with his daughters and was the quintessential river rat. A little known fact about Mark is that he enjoyed reading cookbooks and trying new recipes.

Mark is survived by his 10 year-old daughter Madeline Von Ruden and step-daughter Elizabeth Walters, his Mother Marilyn (Don Mouchka)Von Ruden-Mouchka of Onalaska, sisters Jean (Tom) Ott of Bloomington, MN, Mary (Dr. Michael)Bottcher of Onalaska, Kathy (Tom) Noelke of Mandeville, LA, Janice (Matt) Lewis of Onalaska, brother John (Diane Beranek) Von Ruden of La Crosse. Nieces & nephews, Marie, John & Sam Ott, Robyn, Michael & Kathryn Bottcher, Sara, Aaron, Ryan Noelke, Nate & Meredith Lewis and Lauren Von Ruden. Step-sisters Peggy (Steve) Troudt, Julie (Al) Hrovat & Mary Sue (Jeff) Abel all of Lino Lakes, MN. and many special aunts, uncles, & cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Robert Von Ruden, maternal grandparents Alice & Joe Brettingen and paternal grandparents Martin & Frances Von Ruden.



A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at St. Patricks Catholic Church in Onalaska. Monsignor Steven Kachel will officiate. Private family burial will take place at a later date. Friends may call on the family Thursday evening at the church from 5:00 P.M. until the time of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and can be made out to the Estate of Mark Von Ruden. Proceeds will be used to establish a college fund for his daughter Madeline.



The family would like to thank Dr. Sigurd B. Gundersen III, Dr. John Farnen and the entire staff at Gundersen Health System for Marks medical care. A special thanks to Mary Beth Rady for her caring support.