Charlie, our dear husband, father, grandfather, and friend lost his battle with cancer on Saturday, December 6th, surrounded by all his girls: adoring wife Jody, daughters Carrie and Sissy, and dog Maggie.

Charlie, or Chuck as he was known to many, was the first son of Phyllis and Charles Ruhl Sr. He spent his childhood in McClellan Heights in Davenport, Iowa, forging friendships that would last a lifetime. His passion for the outdoors began at an early age with frequent trips to the Cisco Chain in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where he fostered a love of fishing, hunting, and boating.

He began college in Colorado where he was the only one of his four friends invited to return for their sophomore year (his version of the story, anyway). Charlie was always the life of the party. He graduated from the University of Iowa to work in the family business.

Charlie married the love of his life Jody in 1983. They welcomed two daughters and together gave their girls every opportunity and supported them in every endeavor. He spent the remainder of his career developing commercial real estate and building community in the Quad Cities before retiring in the Northwoods and Naples, Florida.

Charlie’s Christian faith strengthened throughout his life. He left this world as a devoted man of God. He will be remembered as the kind, vibrant, larger-than-life man that he was.

Charlie is preceded in death by his parents, sister Jenny, and many beloved friends and family. Upon passing, he was surely greeted by a party of loved ones patiently awaiting his arrival. He is survived by his loving wife Jody (Peterson), his daughters Caroline (Nathan) and Sissy (Semih), four beautiful grandchildren, sister Caroline Ruhl (John Thompson), brother John Ruhl, and countless friends. He will be sorely missed.

Memorial service to follow in the new year (details pending). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Prostate Cancer Foundation or Y2Believe.