Wilmer Leroy Ruhnke

Wilmer Leroy Ruhnke, 87, passed away Saturday April 27, 2019 at Beatrice Community Hospital surrounded by family. Wilmer was born June 26, 1931 to Arthur A. and Gertrude (Krause) Ruhnke at the Mennonite Hospital in Beatrice, Nebraska.
Wilmer was baptized at the Evangelical Reformed Church in Jansen, NE and then confirmed in 1944. He attended Dist. 65 School in Fairbury and Jansen High School. Wilmer joined the Army in January of 1952 and was active with the Army Reserve until 1960.
On October 27, 1957, Wilmer married Doris Levergne (Heckart) Ruhnke. He was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Fairbury and was a retired farmer. Wilmer was a member of the American Legion for 63 years and the National Pony Express for 38 years as an Honorary Lifetime Member.
Wilmer was preceded in death by his parents; one brother and two sisters. His mother passed away shortly after birth and he was cared for until the age of 5 by Aunt Tena Paul, whom he loved very dearly.
He is survived by his wife, Doris; children, Gustav L. Ruhnke and wife Mary, Donna Ann Paneitz and husband Neal, and Joseph Lee Ruhnke; grandchildren, Hunter Ray Paneitz, Nena Jo Obermier and husband Wesley, Paige Renee Paneitz, Molly M. Ruhnke, Matthew A. Ruhnke and Holden Lee Ruhnke.
Services will be Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church – Fairbury, NE with Pastor Glenn Meyer officiating. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 5 – 7. Memorials will go to the Family’s Choice. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury is in charge of arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com