Andrew "Jay" Ruger

Andrew "Jay" Ruger, 55, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday, December 30, 2023 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center after a 5 year battle with cancer that he fought with such dignity and bravery.

Visitation will be Friday, January 5, 2024, from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will follow at 5:00 pm with Deacon Ron Wackerlin officiating. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service.

Jay was born September 15, 1968, in Ottawa, IL, to Andrew and Janice (Gregory) Ruger. He married Terri White (Steele) on May 6, 1995 at St. Columba Church in Ottawa.

Jay was a graduate of Marquette High School class of 1987. He played football and basketball and had many lasting friendships from playing sports. He continued his love of sports by attending many high school football games and watched many college and professional football games over the years. He worked for Vertiv for 23 years, most recently as a project startup manager. He was an extremely skilled woodworker; Jay saw beauty and potential in every board of wood. He could make just about anything and loved to share his work with friends and family. He traveled a lot for work and got to see most of the United States with his wife and family and made many lasting friendships wherever he went. When he wasn't working, he enjoyed getting on his lawnmower and taking care of the yard work. He found great peace in taking care of his yard, enjoying a glass of bourbon, or smoking a cigar and loved to sit by the outdoor firepit. He was fun loving and always had a story to tell and when you heard his lovable, sometimes sneaky, laugh, you never knew what he was up to.

Today he is survived by his parents, Andrew and Janice Ruger; his wife, Terri Ruger; his children, Dru of Rolla, Missouri and Chance of Ottawa; his granddaughter, Valeska of Rolla, Missouri; his siblings, Adam (Angie) Ruger, Megan Ruger, and Rachael Lauer; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Thurman and Betty Ruger and his maternal grandparents, Vernon and Rosemary Gregory.

Jay wanted to list honorary pallbearers but there were far too many to count. He made so many friends across the country that it was impossible for him to narrow it down.