Donley F. Ruder, 79, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2019.
He was born on the family farm near Zurich, Kansas to Edmund and Martina (Dingus) Ruder. Don was a simple farm kid who learned to be detailed in his work through drilling straight lines of wheat, learned to be flexible through harvesting depending on the weather, and learned to weld, blacksmith and build out of necessity. Don went from the farm to Kansas State University (KSU). In 1960, he graduated from KSU with a Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering Degree (B.S.E.E.). He accepted a Research Engineering position with North American Aviation in Downey, California for a top dollar salary of $550 per month.
On February 8, 1961, Don began working in Downey, California. He was instrumental in the development of the guidance system for the Minute Man Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. He continued his career advancing quickly through the ranks and taking on increasing responsibilities to include management. He was asked to lead the creation of the Micro Electronics Business Unit for the newly formed Rockwell North America. This business unit developed the integrated circuit chips that enabled the technology revolution that created the computers and cell phone that we rely on today. During the peak of the Cold War, he was asked to work on a project that became one of his most challenging and rewarding experiences, the development of the B-1 Bomber. He devoted the remainder of his career to the production, fielding, and sustainment of the “mighty B-1”. He completed his professional career at Boeing with numerous awards and accolades in October 2006. For a farm-reared, twenty-one year old kid, Don had a marvelous technical and managerial career.
Don was the father of five children. Don loved to work with his hands and wanted his five children to be able to do the same. He wanted them to be able to work on their cars, be able to do repairs and build things, and be self-sufficient productive individuals. The years the family spent building the upstairs in their Tideland house were his opportunity to ensure his kids knew how to frame, plumb, wire, and drywall. Don worked to instill in his children the values of integrity, hard work, being true to yourself, and speaking plainly. He was a member of NRA, Knights of Columbus, and the National Management Association.
After retirement, Don had the opportunity to take on a challenging volunteer opportunity, as docent at Rancho Los Cerritos, California portraying the historical character, Mr. George Brown, a blacksmith who worked at the Rancho in the period of 1878. One day every other week, you could find him leading students in performing actual chores of the everyday Rancho activities of 1878. This gave him a great sense of fulfillment and pride. In his last few years Don had a companion that he cherished, she was his dog Little Miss.
Don is survived by his sons, Robert Ruder and wife Sahar of Saudi Arabia, Timothy Ruder and wife Michelle of LA Ribera, Baja, Steven Ruder and wife Cindy of Roseville, California, and Daniel Ruder and wife Stacy of Edmond, Oklahoma; daughter, Donna Jo Peek of Sioux Fall, South Dakota; brother, James Ruder and wife Shirley of Wakeeney, Kansas; sixteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; numerous colleagues and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Marina Ruder.
Don was a hardworking man. He was a servant of his Lord Jesus Christ and served him faithfully. He loved his family and left them a legacy of love, integrity, hard work, being true to themselves, and speaking plainly. His memory and life lessons will forever be in the hearts of those he loved and who loved him.
A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for Wednesday, April 3, 2019, 10:30 A.M., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church , Plainville, Kansas. Interment will follow the service in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Plainville. Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at the Plumer-Overlease Funeral , Plainville, Kansas from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. A Vigil Service and Rosary will be held Tuesday, April 2, 2019, 7:00 P.M. at the funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Sacred Heart Catholic Grade School-Plainville and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd Street, Plainville, Kansas 67663.