George Ruuska

George was born April 2, 1944, in Ishpeming, a son of George and Fannie (Kyllonen) Ruuska. He was raised in Republic and graduated from the Republic High School, Class of 1962. He continued his education by enrolling at Northern Michigan University, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in 1966. On June 17, 1966, George was united in marriage to Ann Marie Wiitala at her parent’s home. George’s first teaching assignment was at the Silver Creek School in Harvey. Following Ann’s graduation from college, the couple moved to Cypress, California, where they were both involved in teaching. A year later, the couple returned to Marquette and George taught at Sandy Knoll Elementary School and Graveraet. While teaching, George advanced his teaching career by earning his Master’s Degree and Education Specialist Degree. He also was promoted to assistant principal at Sandy Knoll and eventually to principal. He retired in 1999. He was a respected educator to those in the classroom, his peers, and the parents who entrusted their children’s education to him.

In his leisure, George loved to play golf. For many years he was actively involved in the NMU Golf Course and volunteered his time and talent to Marquette County Junior Golf. Other interests included skiing, traveling, remodeling, being an avid Packer fan, and woodworking, creating many memories for his grandchildren with his creations. George was a member of the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church in Negaunee Township.

George is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ann; his children, Jon (Sarah) Ruuska of Marquette, Jennifer Collins of Tucson, AZ, Bob Ruuska of Tucson, AZ, Karen Peres of Warren, MI, and Chrissy (Eric) Trotochaud of Haslett, MI; his grandchildren, Olivia, Charlie, and Hannah Ruuska, Sam, Emily, Stephen, and Sydney Collins, Greta, Ana, and Josie Ruuska, Lynae, Megan, and Sarah Peres, and Ben and Ali Trotochaud; and a great-granddaughter, Mackenzie Collins; and an honorary grandson, Cory Petrey. Also surviving are his siblings, Leonard (Teresa) Ruuska of Hibbing, MN and Susan (Ken) Zupfer of Albertville, MN and numerous nieces and nephews and brothers and sisters in faith. In addition to his parents,

George was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Ted Seppanen.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Thursday, October 3, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Funeral services will be held on Friday at the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church in Negaunee Township at 11:00 am with Mike Peterson officiating. Visitation will begin at the church on Friday at 10:00 am until the time of service.

A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Interment will be made in the Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Cancer Care of Marquette County, P.O. Box 626, Ishpeming, MI 49849 or Marquette Junior Golf, P.O. Box 201, Marquette, MI 49855.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.