Gene Ruhlen, 84, St. Marys, formerly of Mendon, passed away at 3:30 a.m. April 30, 2014, at home with his loving family present.

He was born Jan. 25, 1930, at the old Lima City Hospital in Lima, the oldest child and only son of C.V. and Viola Neubrecht Ruhlen. On Dec. 20, 1953, he married Marilyn Miller, who survives.

Also surviving are three children, a son, Dr. Michael (Cathy) Ruhlen, Charlotte, N.C., two daughters, Lisa (Bob) Moeller, Chickasaw, and Terri (Scott) Shutt, Lima; seven grandchildren, Chris (Cathy) Ruhlen, Kensington, Md., Jenny (Todd) Bruns, Celina, Tara Ruhlen, Charlotte, Kelly (Ben) Rude, Huntersville, N.C., Ben (Sarah) Moeller, Coldwater, and Emily Shutt and Sam Shutt, both of Lima; nine great-grandchildren, Anna, Casey and Keira Ruhlen, Kensington, Nicholas, Rachel and Adam Moeller, Coldwater, and Cole, Hope and Joy Bruns, Celina; a sister, Erma Jane (Larry) Hawkins, Elida; a sister-in-law, Barbara Miller, Coshocton, and two nieces and two nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Dwight M. and Joanna H. Miller; and a brother-in-law, Jack Miller.

He grew up on a farm south of Lima and attended Lima Perry Schools and graduated from Lima Shawnee High School with the class of 1949. On Aug. 20, 1949, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He trained as an airplane engine mechanic and was stationed at Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu. His air transport group carried wounded Korean War soldiers from Japan to the United States. He received an honorable discharge on Jan. 29, 1953. He worked at Nameplate in Spencerville, The Lima News, The Lima Citizen and Petro-Chemical. He retired from Citizens Commercial Bank of Celina in 1990 after 26 years of service. He had been on the Mendon Board of Public Affairs, was a member of Mendon United Methodist Church, and had served as financial secretary of the church. He was a life member of Spencerville VFW Post 6772.

While at The Lima News, he met the love of his life, Marilyn Miller. They celebrated 60 years of marriage on Dec. 20, 2013, with all of their family present. They lived for 47 years on S. Main St., Mendon. Then in 2011, they moved to Otterbein, St. Marys.

He loved to hunt, fish, ride motorcycles and be outside. After retiring, he enjoyed auctions and antiquing. He collected antique tobacco items and fishing lures. He also crafted meticulously detailed miniature models of local homes and buildings. He was a loving family man who enjoyed every minute spent with his kids and grandkids, and was so proud of their accomplishments and achievements.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Mendon United Methodist Church, the Rev. Don Clinger officiating. Burial will follow at Mendon Cemetery with graveside military rites by the Spencerville VFW Honor Guard.

Calling is 2-7 p.m. Friday and 10-11 a.m. Saturday at Mendon United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grand Lake Hospice or the Mendon United Methodist Church Sanctuary Fund.

Arrangements are being handled by W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home, Mendon.

Condolences may be expressed at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.