Gary A. Ruser, age 88, of rural Stockton, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, at Clarence Senior Living. A visitation was held from 4–7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 9, at Bentley Funeral Home, Durant. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the funeral home. Burial took place in Inland Cemetery, Bennett. Memorials may be made to the New Liberty Fire Department. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.
Gary Ruser was born to Melvin and Alice (Stoeffen) Ruser on March 9, 1938. He was raised in the Plainview area until the family moved to Walcott in 1948. Gary graduated from Durant High School with the Class of 1957.
In 1959, a friend set Gary up on a blind date with Maureen Schmidt, and that was the beginning of a lifelong love story. Gary and Maureen were married on Sept. 30, 1961, and together they raised five children. Gary also proudly served six years in the Army National Guard as an Ordnance Supply Specialist.
Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing, and sports, and he always found time to be a little “mischievous.” His dad usually found out about his antics, and then it was “ouch” with the willow stick. One of Gary’s many accomplishments was converting a 1930s barn into the family home, with “very much” help from family and friends. He also left his children with countless mem-ories, especially the many family vacations, camping trips, and travels outside the United States. These experiences and the time spent together as a family will be cherished for years to come.
Gary will be dearly missed by his wife, Maureen; sons, Gregory (Lorene) Ruser of Lincoln, Ark., and Timothy (Dyannae) Ruser of Princeton; daughters, Annette (Joel) Oepping of Clarence and Melanie (Jason) Koch of Muscatine; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and one brother, Ronald (Terry) Ruser of Bettendorf.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Michele Renae Ruser; his parents, Melvin and Alice Ruser; and his sister, Marlene Rauch.
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