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Rev. Jerry Lasley posted a condolence
Thursday, June 29, 2023
To John's Family,
You have my deepest sympathy and prayers. John was a remarkable man with remarkable talent. I remember being in seminary with him. I can only imagine the countless number of people who were spellbound by his incredible voice. What a gift he has been to our world.
Blessings,
Jerry+
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Jim Feldman posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
We enjoyed John's performances in New York City, Canada, Detroit and West Liberty for the Library Benefit. He was always the consummate performer.
He will be sorely missed. Jim & Willa Feldman
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Suzanne Chouteau posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
John was an incredible performer with an old soul, a handsome presence and an awesome humor that poked fun most often at himself! Some wonderful memories of John stand out to me right now--one was drawing him for his senior recital poster at Saint Ambrose. I was beyond flattered that he asked me and it was a very fun time drawing with him as he kept cracking jokes--"John, you need to be still please!"... In early 1990s, I was in NYC walking down 5th Ave. and all of a sudden I hear someone calling my name! It was John, and he was performing in Les Miserables at the time. He invited my now husband and I to join him for aperitivi and we went! It was like no time had passed and he treated Bedel like a long lost friend too! I was bowled over by his generosity, enthusiasm and joie de vivre! I could never tell John to be still! What a marvelous human being who will be missed by his family so much and be remembered by many with much love and joy. Suzanne Chouteau (& Chris Bedel)
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Eric Jablonowski posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
May we forever honor the memory of John. His unceasing kindness was matched only by his love for those around him, a beacon of endearing warmth. His creativity and selflessness shaped our theatre company into a family more than a workplace. John's humor never failed to brighten our days, making every hardship bearable, his friendly demeanor embodying the camaraderie cherished among us all.
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Bob Mason posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
I knew John mostly from his beautiful performances in Chicago. A glorious voice with an even more beautiful soul. I was lucky enough to be in NY when he was playing Marius in LES MIZ. I am very sorry to hear of his passing.
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Susan Linnell posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Fly high Johnny Ruess we had the absolute best early morning drivers ed sessions with Mr. Harmon. We both knew he never took his foot off that brake. The best fun for 7:00 in the morning! The memories I will always have - blessed!
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Anonymous planted a tree in memory of John Ruess
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
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Julie Craft posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
My deepest condolences to the Funke, Carter, and Ruess Families. I enjoyed talking with John at his niece's (Holly Funke) family parties and his quick smile at being surround by loved ones.
With Sympathy,
Julie Craft
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John Durand uploaded photo(s)
Monday, June 26, 2023
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John is part of many of my best college memories, like this one, painting the statue of St. Patrick at SAC in 1980 (I think we are beyond the statute of limitations). He was a kind, funny, exuberant person who made life better for everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Heavy hearts all around.
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Sharon (Tournai) Newell posted a condolence
Monday, June 26, 2023
I know John through my sister Patty Tournai, one of his Ambrose friends. I've gone with groups of friends which John was included to several events around Chicago. He was such a warm person and enjoyable to be around. He took an interest in my son who is trying to work in the music business. I truly appreciate his knowledge & encouragement to my son. I know he will be missed by his family and friends. God bless. Rest in peace.
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Bob McLachlan posted a condolence
Monday, June 26, 2023
Deepest condolences from the McLachlan family for John's passing. One of my fondest memories was when he sang "Lady" to Jan.
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Terri (Behan) Delaney posted a condolence
Monday, June 26, 2023
Love you, John! Go sing with Lois and the angels! Until we meet again, we'll visit in my prayers.
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Mary Ernster uploaded photo(s)
Monday, June 26, 2023
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John sang and danced his way into the hearts of so many people. He was kind and funny and such a joy to work with. My deepest condolences to his entire family. Mary Ernster (Photo: "Something's Afoot": 1986 Milwaukee Melody Top Theatre)
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Love John and Mary Wissink and family. purchased flowers
Sunday, June 25, 2023
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Love John and Mary Wissink and family.
purchased the Greater Glory Basket for the family of John Ruess.
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With all our love to family Ruess. We love you John. Thank you for always being that very awesome person we loved.
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Linnet Wainwright lit a candle
Sunday, June 25, 2023
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To John Family,
I will never forget when Don and I went to New York. We stopped to see John at Starbucks and we gave us advise on what and where to go ! I felt so comfortable after talking to him . He was so kind to us !
Linnet and Don Wainwright
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Robert Wilson uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, June 25, 2023
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John was a kind and talented man, remembered with great affection by everyone who shared the stage with him in the national tour of LES MISERABLES in the early 1990s. Rest in peace.
A Memorial Tree was planted for John Ruess
Sunday, June 25, 2023
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Henderson-Barker Funeral Home West Liberty Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Julie Johnston posted a condolence
Sunday, June 25, 2023
Band, theater, chorus, life ... So many loving memories. Im honored to have been a part of his journey.
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John Wissink posted a condolence
Sunday, June 25, 2023
We visited John in Chicago and had dinner together too. Debby was with us.
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Mary Wissink posted a condolence
Sunday, June 25, 2023
We went to see John in Showboat in Hollywood and afterwards we had dinner together and a great time catching up.
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The family of John Mark Ruess uploaded a photo
Sunday, June 25, 2023
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Thursday
29
June
Celebration of Life
10:30 am
Thursday, June 29, 2023
St. Joseph Catholic Church
109 West Sixth St.
West Liberty, Iowa, United States
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Inurnment
Mt. Calvary Cemetery
Elder Avenue
West Liberty, Iowa, United States
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Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event
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About this Event
In Loving Memory
John Ruess
1960 - 2023
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Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book.
West Branch
201 Pedersen St. | West Branch, IA 52358
Phone: 319-643-2112
West Liberty
205 E. Third St. | West Liberty, IA 52776
Phone: 319-627-2151