Loyal “Rick” Ruegsegger

Ruegsegger, Loyal "Rick", 72, of Westerville, OH, died Sunday, May 5, 2024, surrounded by family at The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, OH. The son of June and Loyal Ruegsegger Jr. of Waverly, OH, he is survived by his wife of 35 years, Brenda Ruegsegger, his sons Nicholas Ruegsegger of Columbus, OH and Daniel Ruegsegger of Westerville, OH, his daughter Kathryn Ruegsegger (and daughter-in-law Anne Diehl) of Washington DC, and his beloved extended family. He is predeceased by his parents, sister Carol Verdugo of Moreno Valley, CA, and niece Jacqueline Rodriguez (wife of Toni Collins) of Hemet, CA. Born in Canton, OH, Rick attended Waverly High School, and obtained two Bachelors of Science degrees from The Ohio State University (Environmental Science, Class of 1974; Civil Engineering, Class of 1982). Rick was immensely proud of his career working for the State of Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and the Ohio Department of Transportation, in which he developed significant expertise in finding and mitigating unmapped mine shafts under Ohio's major highways, averting many potential disasters and saving countless lives. A man of profound faith, Rick was very involved with his local church, Heritage Christian Church of Westerville, OH, where he sang in their choir and played guitar for Sunday school. He was also an active member of the Columbus Men's Bible Study Fellowship Class (BSF) for over a decade. A fan of bluegrass and folk music, Rick also enjoyed refurbishing, playing, and teaching others how to play the guitar. True to his legal first name, Rick was loyal, as well as selfless, tireless, grateful, and optimistic. Above all, Rick was a devoted husband and father, who cherished his family and always put them first. Rick remains deeply loved by his family, friends, neighbors, former colleagues, and the communities he was a part of, and will be very dearly missed. His celebration of life will take place Friday, May 10, 2024 at Heritage Christian Church in Westerville, OH, with viewing hours at 10 am and memorial service at 11 am. Flowers may be sent to Heritage Christian Church at 7413 Maxtown Road, Westerville, OH, 43082, or in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Esophageal Cancer Oncology Fund (Fund Number 321902) at The Ohio State University, The James Gastrointestinal Cancer Center (https://giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/321902). Private interment at Evergreen Cemetery, Waverly, OH. Funeral arrangements by Moreland Funeral Home, 55 East Schrock Road, Westerville, OH.