Joyce M. Rugen

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Joyce Matilda (Dougherty) Rugen, of Onalaska, who died peacefully on December 19, 2023, at Gundersen Hospital in La Crosse, WI at the age of 93. She was born May 15, 1930 on the family farm in Wilton, WI. Joyce was one of six children born to the late George and Elizabeth (Hillyer) Dougherty. Surviving siblings are Isabel Baker and Rose Vitous. Surviving sister in laws are Florence Dougherty and Carolyn Dougherty.

Joyce graduated from Juneau County Teacher’s college in 1949 and for a short time taught in a one-room schoolhouse. She then moved to Minneapolis to study to be an x-ray technician where she met Herbert E. Rugen at a local organized dance.  They were united in marriage on June 26, 1954. Herbert predeceased her on November 18, 1994. Survivors include 9 children, Katherine Leppla (Larry), Barbara Rendler (Steve), Herbert Rugen (Charlotte), Nancy Jackson (James), Robin Schleifer (John), Patrice Clark (Paul), Cheryl Olson (Craig), Jerome Rugen (Debbie) and Walter Rugen (Leigh Anne); 26 grandchildren, Andrew (Phoebe) Leppla, Alex (Torrie Belknap) Leppla, Elizabeth (Mark) Ringstrom, Ted Rendler, Sam Rendler, Lauren Rendler, Jeremy Kriebec, Nicole Rugen, Kylee Rugen, Kristen (Mike) O’Keefe, Angela (Alex) Gustafson, Sarah (Andrew) Mullinax, John Schleifer, Jessica Schleifer, Amanda (Ken) Compton, Mathew (Malorie) Schleifer, Melissa (Billy) Peterson, Becky (Dan) Lewis , Katie Olson, Jenny Olson, Faith Rugen, Clifford Rugen, Tiffany Rugen, Victoria (Zachary) Artibee , Jacob (Brandi) Rugen and Wesley Rugen); and 16 great grandchildren, Marshall, Isolde, August, Seve, Nola, Trey, Caroline, James, Addison, Owen, Lillian, Harper, Reagan, Emma, Adeline and Grayson.

Joyce was a long time active member at Christ is Lord Lutheran Church. At the church she enjoyed the knitting and hospitality groups and being a table leader for the women’s Bible study. Her interests and hobbies included studying the Bible, quilting, gardening, reading, card playing and traveling. Joyce was also a passionate advocate for the unborn as she served on the local board for Right to Life.

Joyce was preceded in death by her siblings, John Dougherty, George Dougherty, Mary Geier; and grandchild, Amy Olson.

The family would like to thank the Gundersen Care Teams: Hematology, Oncology, Nephrology, Palliative Care and Hospice for their wonderful compassionate care given to our mother.

Joyce will be remembered as a loving and benevolent wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother (Gigi) with a servant heart. Her greatest desire was that those she knew and loved would know Christ as their Lord and Savior.

“Behold, I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” 1 Cor 15:51

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Joyce M Rugen will be held at Christ is Lord Lutheran Church at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 30, 2023. A visitation will be held from 9 am until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Right to Life or Christ is Lord Lutheran Church. Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.