Lawrence Ruhland of Watkins died Tuesday, Aug, 8, 2006, at Hilltop Care Center in Watkins. He was 92. Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, Aug. 12, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Watkins with the Rev. John Brunner officiating. Interment was in the parish cemetery. Lawrence G. Ruhland was born Jan. 24, 1914, in Watkins to William and Margaret (Mahowald) Ruhland. He married Harriet Ahles April 27, 1943, in St. Anthony Catholic Church in Watkins. The couple farmed near Watkins until 1973, and moved into the city of Watkins in 1974. Lawrence also sold seed corn and after retiring from farming, he worked as a carpenter for Kaufman Building and Supply in Watkins. He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Watkins and a member of Watkins Senior Citizens. Lawrence enjoyed visiting with people and playing cards, fishing, making sausage and listening to old-time music. While at the nursing home, Lawrence enjoyed putting together puzzles and leading the daily rosary with the other residents. He will be especially remembered for his keen sense of humor and his ability to tell jokes. Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents; wife Harriet on Nov. 8, 2001; a daughter in infancy; sisters Susan Ruhland, Esther Ruhland, Rosina Ruhland and Agatha Bulche; brothers Joseph, Alphonse, Alois, Nick, Vincent, Edmund and Ludwig Ruhland. Lawrence is survived by his children and their spouses Evelyn (and David) Ashfeld of Eagan, Addie (and Chuck) Olmschenk of St. Cloud, Elizabeth (and Don) Theis of Ramsey, Andy (and Lois) Ruhland of New Hope, Margaret Ruhland of Waite Park, Cecelia (and Jerome) Garding of Kimball, Jane (and Lon) Christianson of Bemidji, Paul (and Jackie) Ruhland of Minnetonka, Mary (and Paul) Eggert of Oakdale, Clem (and Irene) Ruhland of Sartell; 25 granchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and sister Regina (and Nick) Schutz of Eden Valley. Casket bearers were Brad Theis, Duane Theis, Joe Ruthland, Brian Ruhland, Tony Garding and Derrick Garding. Arrangements were made by Ertl Funeral Home in Watkins.
