Richard De Ruyter

Richard "Rick" De Ruyter, age 65 of Seymour, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at UW Hospital in Madison on Friday, October 1, 2021. This was also the 41st anniversary of purchasing the family farm. He was born on November 6, 1955, the son of the late Robert and Leona (Pennenberg) De Ruyter.

Rick was a faithful member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Isaar.

On December 5, 1980, he married the love of his life, Sherry Van Asten in Freedom at St. Nicholas Catholic Church. Together they created an incredible life on the farm as they raised four outstanding children.

Rick enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and family. He also enjoyed trips near and far and always looked forward to family vacations.

The grandkids loved their adventures with grandpa: gator/tractor rides and the jokes/tricks he shared. Rick's fear of missing out kept him busy with friends and neighbors as they enjoyed eating out and playing cards. Rick felt his best when he looked and smelled good. His only speed was fast and he played his music loud. He loved to dance/polka, always chose fun, and lived life to its fullest. There was always salt in his beer and extra butter on his bread.

As a hard-working farmer, Rick had a great passion for his cows and crops. Rick was thankful for all the helping hands when he didn't have the strength. He appreciated the help from neighbors and loved picking on his nurses. Rick made an impact on the lives of many and touched so many hearts. He was always hugging and loving up on others and was an easy man to love. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Sherry De Ruyter; his four children: Chris (Mallorie) De Ruyter, Amy (Brett Mathison) De Ruyter, Tracy (Pete) Weyenberg, and Kevin (fiancé, Chelsea Cox) De Ruyter; grandchildren: Bennett, Ella, Remi, Brooks, Hope, and Max. He is further survived his siblings: Bonnie Laskowski, Beverly (Milton) Krause, Ron (Janelle) De Ruyter, and Dan De Ruyter; mother-in-law, Marian Van Asten; sisters-in-law, Beverly Van Asten; Marilyn (Doug) Hembree; brothers-in-law, Mark (Marcy) Van Asten, Joe (Theresa) Van Asten; five godsons: Dan Danforth, Al De Ruyter, Tom Krause, Jeremy Van Asten, and Kyle De Ruyter; nieces, nephews, other relatives, many friends and neighbors.

In addition to his parents, Rick was preceded in death by his brother, Ken (Mary) De Ruyter; sisters, Dori (Gary) Kropp and Joy Danforth; father-in-law, William Van Asten; nephews: John Krause and Terry Hintz; niece, Mary Kropp; brothers-in-law, Ron Laskowski, Ralph Fiedorowicz, and Randy Adler.

Visitation for Rick will take place at Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour, on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a parish prayer service at 8:00 pm. Visitation will continue at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Isaar on Thursday, October 7, 2021 from 9:00 am until the funeral mass at 11:00 am with Fr. Brian Belongia, Fr. Sengole Dass, O. Praem, and Deacon Rich Matuszak officiating. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery.

Special thanks to UW Hospital, Dr. David Sonetti, and additional doctors and staff for the wonderful and compassionate care given to Rick for the all these years. Thank you also to the Restoring Hope Transplant House staff for their hospitality.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Rick's memory.

The Red Dog barks at midnight.