Mary Ann Ruehling, age 62, of New Prague, died peacefully with her husband at her side, on Christmas Day 2021 at Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital in Rochester. Mary Ann was born on July 20, 1959 in Detroit Lakes to Arthur and Mary Jane (Lundeen) Kiehl. Born and raised in Detroit Lakes, she graduated from Detroit Lakes High School. She met the man who would become her soul mate and life partner, John B. Ruehling, three years before they married on August 13, 1988 at Friedens Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lanesburgh. On that day, John's father said he gained a daughter, not a daughter-in-law! Mary Ann was the right hand throughout life on the farm and the family, truly walking hand in hand. She exuded congeniality and grace with an ability to pick up a conversation with anyone she came into contact with. She was a second mom to her children's friends, welcoming them into the home and making sure they never left hungry. Her generosity knew no bounds and she always had a smile on her face! Her motto was always "to look at the shiny side of the penny, not the tarnished!" Her family was the center of her life and she lived for her grandkids. Her kindness, positivity, and constancy has left a void in their lives but a gratitude for having had her for this long.
Mary Ann is survived by her loving husband, John of New Prague; children, Maggie (James) Hauser of Montgomery, Curtis Ruehling (Rebecca Monten) of Montgomery, Adam Ruehling (girlfriend, Alexis Flowers) of New Prague; grandchildren, Levi, Tucker, Opal, & Adaline; siblings, Bernice (Jerry) McCann, Kathy "Sis" (Ken) Jarandson, Kenny (Diane) Kiehl, Barb (Dave) Maresh, Nancy Poverud, Rod (Sue) Kiehl, Vickie McCollum; brother-in-law, Martin Ruehling; sister-in-law, Ruth Mickelson (Richard Loch); many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law, Caldwell & Leona Ruehling; infant brother, Dennis; sister, Darlene in childhood; sister-in-law, Ann Ruehling.
Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Noon at Friedens Evangelical Lutheran Church (28983 281st Ave, New Prague, MN 56071) with Pastor Henry Koch officiating. Visitation will take place Friday from 3-6 PM at Bruzek Funeral Home and at church 1 hour prior to service. Burial will take place in Friedens Lutheran Cemetery followed by lunch in the church hall.
