Post Messenger Recorder -

Walter Ruef, age 85, passed away on Sunday, August 8, 2021, at the New Glarus Home. He was born on August 11, 1935, in Oberried am Brienzersee, Switzerland, the son of Wilhelm and Clara (Trachsel) Ruef.

Walter immigrated to the United States with his family in 1951. He would then serve in the United States Army during the Korean War. While he was in Seoul, South Korea, he earned his citizenship. Walter then continued his service in the United States Air Force until his discharge in 1961. After his military service, he worked as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service for 35 years, retiring in 1999. Walter enjoyed photography, trains, and family trips. The trips included adventures to South Dakota, Florida, Minnesota, the circle tour of Lake Michigan, and Honduras. He had also traveled back to his homeland Switzerland to visit extended family, and continued to stay connected to his Swiss roots. Walter participated in the Wilhelm Tell play for many years. He was a member of the Stuessy-Kuenzi American Legion Post #141 in New Glarus, and was an active member of the Honors Rifle Detail.

Walter is survived by his sons, Carlos (Krystal) and Michael (Tanya) Ruef; grandchildren, Alexandro, Veyron, Avari, Elowen, and Hollis; and his sons' mother, Sandy Ruef. He is further survived by his brother, Fred (Carol) Ruef; sister, Frieda Ruef; sister-in-law, Carol Ruef; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Hugo and Willy Ruef.

A celebration of Walter's life was held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at the Chalet Landhaus, 801 State Road 69, New Glarus, WI. Military honors will be accorded at the start of the celebration. Private family burial will be at the Natural Path Sanctuary, Verona, WI.

The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus is assisting the family.

An online memorial with guestbook is available at http://www.bealfuneralhomes.com.