The funeral for Garnes Ruff, Bismarck, ND will be held Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 10:30 AM at Zion United Methodist Church, Lehr, ND. Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 20, 2011 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at Dahlstrom Funeral Home, Wishek, ND. Burial will be at the Lehr City Cemetery, Lehr, ND.


Garnes Bruce Ruff son of Vernon and Florence (Hehr) Ruff was born November 8, 1948 at Kulm, ND. Garnes grew up in Lehr, ND graduating from Lehr Public School in 1966. Garnes attended the ND State School of Science at Wahpeton, ND for one year studying in the auto body field. He also attended the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks, ND for one year studying business administration. Garnes enlisted in the US Navy on January 20, 1969 and was honorably discharged in 1973. He moved back to Lehr to join the family business, Ruff Oil Company. Garnes married Brenda Kautz on September 21, 1974 at Wishek, ND. In 1991 Garnes left Lehr and attended school in St. Cloud, MN for waste water treatment. He went on to work as a City Maintenance Engineer for the city of Flasher, ND. He now resided in Bismarck, ND where he worked at various jobs. Garnes enjoyed Happy Hour with his friends. Garnes enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and collector cars, particularly Ford Mustangs and Ford Torinos. He was an active member of the Klauss-Becker Post 218 of the American Legion at Lehr, ND and served as Commander for several years. Garnes also was a member and President of the Lehr Wildlife Club.


Garnes died Friday, April 15, 2011 at his home in Bismarck, ND. He was 62 years old.

Garnes is survived by his daughter, Amanda (Rick) Welk, Fargo, ND; his son, Jesse Ruff, Steamboat Springs, CO; 3 grandchildren, Corey, Emily and Ethan Welk, Fargo, ND; one brother, Scott (Donna) Ruff, Dickinson, ND. Garnes was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the American Cancer Society. Share memories and sign online guest book at www.dahlstromfuneralservice.com. Dahlstrom Funeral Home of Wishek, ND entrusted with arrangements.