Fredrick Joseph Ruhlin of Sarasota went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 16th, 2016. He was 102 years and 5 months of age at the time of his passing.
Fred was born in Brooklyn, New York on May 22nd, 1914 to the late Julius Ruhlin and Ella (Brooks) Ruhlin. He served his country proudly during WWII and Korea with the United States Army Air Corps. Following his time in the service, he worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company where he remained until his retirement in 1976.
Fred is preceded in death by two wives, Ruth Kiefaber Ruhlin who passed on February 4, 1988 and Bette Heldreth Ruhlin who passed on June 8, 1997 and three brothers, William Ruhlin, Richard Ruhlin, and Edward Ruhlin.
His survivors include his sister, Marie Krause; sister-in-law, Dorothy Ruhlin; five step-children, Jim Heldreth, Carol Burton, Marshall Heldreth, Jeff Heldreth, and Joyce Thomas as well as 18 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Please sign the guestbook below.
Thank you friend for allowing me to be a part of your life for the past 25 years! You really filled a hole in my heart where I needed a father.
It is such a honor to have known this kind and gentle man.
I will love you and miss you Uncle Fred.
It was a pleasure sharing a Birthday with you Uncle Fred. Thinking of the time I spent with you will always bring a smile to my face and love to my heart.
Fred, I love you and thank you for being the best grandpa. I know we didn’t catch up much but I do have very fond memories of my childhood spent with you and grandma. You made my grandma so happy and you also made my family so happy. I love you so much Fred. Please watch over all of us and say hi to grandma for me!
Thanks for being such a great husband to my mom, you made her smile. So glad you were in our life! I am so happy you are home now with the Lord.
Grandpa Fred, you were such a sweet man. Now your celebrating up in heaven with Granny and mom. I didn’t get to see you often but I do remember the fun times I spent with you and Granny. She truly enjoyed going on all those trips. She loved Alaska. So glad you came into our family. I know you’ll be greatly missed. Love you grandpa Fred. -Natalie.
Such a joy when you entered the scene, meeting Betty at Mass brothers. It was such a treat seeing you embrace a new and big family. They enlarged you and surrounded you with love and acceptance. You became Father and Grandpa,you learned quickly. I love the story of the day Carol stopped by and you and Betty were dancing in the kitchen!!!! Your generous acts of kindness, your giving heart and the numerous ways you blessed others…I know it made the heart of the Father happy. God’s word tells us that eye has not seen, ear has not heard, neither has it even entered into our mind, what He has prepared for those who love him! ENJOY! See you soon.
You were the Best Man at Mom & Dad’s wedding . You are Godfather to Karen and I. You were the one to take me up the hill to the Convent to get ice cream. You were the one who made me smile again when Daddy died. You were the one who walked with me hand in hand when we took Eddie and the kids to Lido Beach and shared wonderful stories .You were the one who made me laugh at your birthday when we celebrated 97 years. You were the one who danced with me in a little circle on the day of your 100th birthday party. Love you always Uncle Fred as I say you were the Best Man.
Fred touched the lives of many, my own included. He was a once in a lifetime friend who made this earth a better place. Rest in peace Fred.
Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved this man, our great uncle Fred. May he Rest In Peace and be reunited with those he loved. I remember a joyful man who always shared a smile on the sunny side of the street.