Joseph (Joe) Ruhter, 80, of Barnum, passed away Sunday, March 8, 2015, peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Joe battled a short illness while being hospitalized at Essentia St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth.

Joseph was born on March 31, 1934, in Austin, Minnesota, to Henry and Magdalena (Procknow) Ruhter. Joseph was the youngest of six children. He graduated from Austin High School in 1953.

On Feb. 22, 1958, he married Lavonne Rasmussen and raised three children. They later divorced. Joseph worked 28 years for Weyerhauser Company and retired in March 1996.

Joseph enjoyed wood working, mowing lawn, tractor tinkering and spending time with his family, especially during the family’s annual Ruhter Ruckus at his home in Barnum.

Joseph is survived by his three children: Donna (Leon) Luther of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, Mark (Cheryl) Ruhter of Austin, Minnesota, Randy (JoAnne) Ruhter of Springdale, Arkansas; eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; siblings: Milton (Lois) Ruhter of Brownsdale, Minnesota, Orline Peterson of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, and Chasper (Charlotte) Ruhter of Rochester, Minnesota; sister-in-law Adel Ruhter of Melrose, Wisconsin; loving significant other of nine years Josie Bergman of Barnum, Minnesota; many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Joseph was proceeded in death by his father Henry; mother Magdalena; and older brothers: Lester and Gerhardt.

Joseph’s wishes were to be cremated and his Celebration of Life will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, May 25, 2015, at the Ruhter Campground in Barnum.

A special thank you to Mercy Hopsital, Moose Lake, Essentia St. Mary’s Hospital, Duluth, for all the wonderful medical services provided, and to the Cremation Society of Duluth.