Obituaries

Robert Herman Ruete, 81, of Florence, KY passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 9, 2025.

He spent his career as an independent salesman and an external salesman for various companies resulting in him managing his own sales business exclusively selling American made products.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Dorothy (nee. Everson) Ruete and his sister Carole (nee. Ruete) Schmidt. He is survived by his loving wife, Charlotte (nee. Gedlen) Ruete; oldest son, Rob (Missy) Ruete; daughter, Sarah (Chris) Bartnikowski; youngest son, Erik (Renee) Ruete; 3 grandchildren, Peyton Bartnikowski; Tyler and Caleb Ruete; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob met his loving wife and best friend, Char, at Eastern Michigan University where he was the Social Chairman for Alpha Sigma Phi. They both loved dancing and they danced their way throughout their marriage having recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary.

Bob’s love and skill of bowling and billiards was passed on to his oldest son. Always the athlete, coach and sports fan, Bob coached his 3 children in basketball and baseball throughout their formative years. His love for coaching baseball culminated into raising the money and building a baseball field in Canton, MI for the local Pee Wee Reese league and being honored in the Canton Township Hall of Fame for his coaching successes and contributions to the community through baseball.

These last 10 years, Bob enjoyed watching and cheering on as his 3 grandchildren developed and excelled in volleyball and baseball. He was their biggest fan.

A Christian Memorial Mass will be held Tuesday, November 25th at Mother of God Church, Covington at 12pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Special condolences and memories may be given at www.dmefuneral.com. Dobbling, Muehlenkamp-Erschell Funeral Homes are serving the family.