Valri Jean Ruenz, 73, of Lake Geneva, died Jan. 30, 2021 at Ridgestone Gardens in Elkhorn.
She was born April 5, 1947, to Carl and Ruth (Doyle) Bauman in Genoa City.
Val graduated from Badger High School in Lake Geneva in 1965. She married Steven Ruenz in February 1970. Among her employers were Highland Rest Home, Poltermann Fashions, Robinson Wholesale and Lakeland Health Care Center.
She was a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician and firefighter in Genoa City for several years and later worked as an EMT for Medix Ambulance. Val enjoyed going to garage sales and antique shops and had a special appreciation for yellow ware bowls, spools, jars and antique furniture.
Val was the second youngest of 10 children in the “Bodees” clan and was often referred to as “the quiet one.” It was a role she relished yet she rarely passed up an opportunity to get a dig in, especially with her siblings.
Family was the most important thing to Val and she was very proud of her children. She was always in their corner, serving as their greatest influence and cheerleader. She had an extra sparkle in her eyes whenever she was around her grandchildren, whom she loved very much.
She is survived by her children, Heather Ruenz, of Lake Geneva, Stephanie Rodgers, of Lake Geneva, and Mark (Megan) Ruenz, of Winfield, Illinois; grandchildren, Kale Rodgers and Madeline, Matthew and Mason Ruenz; brothers, Jerry (Diane) Bauman, Ron (Mickey) Bauman and Homer (Liz) Bauman; sister-in-law, Nancy Bauman; special niece, Kathy Laubinger; stepsons, James Ruenz and Michael Ruenz; and many other nieces, nephews, family and friends.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; sisters, June (Bill), Carleen (Sam) and Lorraine; brothers, Carl, Jr. (died at birth), Ed and Frank (Karen); and son-in-law, Randy Rodgers.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Michael Hobbs, Physician Assistant Holly Crowley, as well as the staff at Ridgestone Gardens and Aurora At Home Hospice for the loving care they provided.
Memorials in Val’s name can be made to: the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration at theaftd.org or AFTD, 2700 Horizon Drive, Suite 120, King of Prussia, PA 19406.
Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes in Genoa City is serving the family. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
For online condolences visit haaselockwoodfhs.com.
