Obituary of William T. Rugger

Dr. William Rugger age 77 of Oxford died peacefully at his home on Friday, March 12, 2004. His wife and family were with him. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 at the Oxford United Methodist Church. Burial with Military Rites will be at the Oxford Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the church in Oxford. In Lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to Iowa City Hospice or to the Oxford United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be sent to his family at www.gayandciha.com. William Thomas Rugger was born on April 29, 1926 in Lowden, Iowa the son of Dr. Frederick and Gertrude Klein Rugger. He graduated from Oxford High School and attended on year at the University of Iowa: and then joined the Merchant Marine and later the Navy. It was in the Navy when he decided to attend Iowa State University where he received his degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1954. He returned to Oxford and joined his father’s clinic; together they worked for two years before Fred’s death. His father took great pride and was very happy his son had chosen to follow in his footsteps. On March 19, 1954 Bill married Lois Niebuhr in Cedar Rapids. Lois helped Bill in his practice for many years. He belonged to the Eastern Iowa Veterinarian Association, Iowa Veterinarian Association and the American Veterinarian Association. For twenty plus years he served as the treasurer for the Eastern Iowa Veterinarian Association. Bill and Lois developed many close friends through the Veterinarian Associations. He enjoyed many things: golfing: fishing trips to Canada: watching football and also sang in the barbershop chorus for many years. He always had a story or joke ready to tell. His family includes his wife Lois, one daughter Pam Rugger of Des Moines and her special friend John McKenna of Iowa City, three sons, Jeff and wife Judy Rugger and Richard and wife Susan Rugger of Oxford, Brad Rugger of Chicago, four grandchildren, Kelly, Brooke and Michael Rugger and Chad Ambrose, one brother, Gerald and wife Barbara Rugger of San Diego, California, one sister June and husband Bill Huffman of Gold River, California, two sisters in-law, Dorothy Rugger of Mason City, Iowa and Nadine and husband Bill Boots of Mechanicville, Iowa along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Robert in 1999, a brother Clifford and a sister Faye. The Gay and Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service are Caring for Bill’s Services and his family. Lois and Bill would have celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on March 19. Bills family would like to give a special thank you to Iowa City Hospice and all of his friends and family for all their love, prayers and support in his final months.