Norman K. Ruddock

Norman K. Ruddock (April 2, 1932 – June 21, 2024)

With deep sadness the family shares the passing of Norman Keith Ruddock into the next paradise of love, peace and knowledge. We celebrate having 92 full years with this kind, soft spoken and creative man who quietly helped shape and connect our world.

In that time our dear father, grandfather, and husband has also been an inventive engineer, car tinkerer, computer network pioneer, solar energy entrepreneur, residential general contractor, bargain hunter, Model A Ford restorer, mentor and friend. From working to design the AC Delco guidance system for the original Apollo Missions, to engineering at General Motors and Harley Davidson; from customizing jets, to pioneering the ways we use computers and the internet at Miller Brewing Co. and Compaq computers, Norm always saw new and better solutions.

Born in Marshall, Michigan to parents Harold Ruddock and Helen (Wells) Ruddock, Norm served in the US Army during the Korean conflict as an active-duty corporal in Albuquerque NM. He received an engineering degree from the Milwaukee School of Engineering in Milwaukee, WI and studied drafting and design at the General Motors Institute. Over the years he and his family have been residents of Royal Oak, Michigan, Franksville, Shorewood and Grafton WI, San Antonio and Houston, TX, and late of Lake Mills, WI.

Norm is the loving husband of 68 years to Jean Helen (Kresse) Ruddock; beloved father to Lisa Jean Ruddock and Susan Helene (Ruddock) Hansen; and proud grandfather to Kimberly Jean (Carstens) Cagle and Marcus Keith Carstens. He is preceded in passing by his parents and his siblings Bryce Ruddock, Patricia (Ruddock) Phillips, Gwendolyn (Ruddock) Lapekas, and Robert Ruddock, and his best buddy dog Truder.

Dad, Papa, Norm, Uncle Keith: We love you dearly and are forever changed by your ideas, love, generosity, patience, gentle lessons and wry humor. You live in and warm our hearts now and always. With love, J, L, S, K, M et al.

We are honoring Norman’s life with donations in his name to the Humane Society of Jefferson County, to the City of Lake Mills Parks, and to Rainbow Hospice of Jefferson County.