William D. Ruder

William “Bill” David Ruder, 52, of Hastings, MN, passed away on August 15, 2024 after a courageous ten-month battle with cancer.

Bill was born in Sheboygan, WI to Karen Keck and David Ruder on March 17th, 1972 and graduated from Kohler High School in 1990. Bill’s curiosity took him on a varied educational path where he ultimately graduated with a Bachelors’ degree in Social Studies Secondary Education from Northwestern College in Roseville, MN. He found his true calling teaching in Hastings. He first taught in the middle school and then the high school for a career that spanned 24 years. Beyond the classroom, he built up young people through his involvement in numerous activities including athletics, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Young Life, and Link Crew. A gifted teacher who connected deeply with his students, Bill was a master at opening doors for kids. He shared his passion for learning and encouraging curiosity by traveling with students on European adventures multiple times.

Family was the center of Bill’s world. He and Becky began dating in 1997 and married on October 1st, 1999. Before settling in Hastings, they began their family in Wanamingo with Lauren’s arrival. They embraced the close-knit town, forming several lifelong friendships. After Anna and Kate completed their family, they moved to Hastings where they found an amazing community that supported and sustained them. Bill was a devoted husband and a true partner to Becky for 24 years. His compassion and humor created unique and powerful bonds with each of his daughters whom he loved deeply.

Bill’s pursuit of learning led him to explore numerous arenas. He loved to paint, play guitar, participate in community theater, cross country ski, road bike, and turn wood bowls. He pursued all of these passions fully and with enthusiasm. He was also a philosopher who searched for meaning in all things: his faith, his relationships, his observations of the world. He read deeply and formed an expansive faith filled with awe for the mystery and love of God. Bill was not one for small talk and craved depth in conversations and friendships. A beautiful mix of gentle and strong, he tackled adversity with a grit that inspired many.

Bill was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ed and Mary Ruder and Ralph and Edith Keck; an infant sister, Patricia; and brothers in law, Darren Haverly and John Maler.

Bill is survived by his wife, Rebecca Haverly Ruder; daughters, Lauren, Anna, and Kate; his parents, Karen Keck and David Ruder; his sister, Susan Maler; brother in law, Troy Haverly (Pam); sisters in law, Cherise Haverly, Kristy Johnson (Chris), Sara Schultz (Aaron); mother and father in law, Del and Shirley Haverly; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Bill will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Our Saviour’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 400 W 9th St, Hastings, MN 55033.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Our Saviour’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hastings, Minnesota, with a visitation one hour prior to the service.

Bill will be deeply missed by the community that embraced him, the numerous students who were shaped by him, the friends who dearly loved him, and his family who cherished him.

Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.