Joseph “Joe” Ruekberg, 68, passed away at home in El Cajon, California, with his family by his side, on August 18, 2019  .He had a strong will to live and fought valiantly against cancer for almost a year.

Joe was born in Cleveland, Ohio on October 3, 1950 to Henrietta (Browarsky) and James Ruekberg.  He left Cleveland to go to college at University of Arizona in Tuscan, where he received his degree in Business.  He then moved to Los Angeles and finally San Diego, California where he worked as a Real Estate broker.  Most of his career was spent purchasing and managing properties.

Joe had a passion for the outdoors.  He took up skiing and spent MANY days each season on the slopes. He belonged to several ski clubs and he also became a “blind ski guide”, which he really enjoyed.  He also enjoyed camping, hiking, fishing, etc.  This came in handy, as he became very active as a volunteer in one capacity or another, with the Boy Scouts once his son was old enough to join.  He continued to volunteer with the Order of the Arrow Lodge, until he was too ill.

Joe always strove to be healthy.  He watched his diet (except for brownies and ice cream) and was always active.  For at least 40 years, he ran three miles a day, usually four days a week.  He continued to walk those miles while he was in chemo and radiation.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Henrietta and James, of Florida; and his Uncle Monte and Aunt Madeline of Dallas, Texas.

He is survived by Judy, his wife of 31 years; his son, Jared of Reston, Virginia and daughter, Janae of El Cajon; his sisters, Kathy Ruekberg of Cleveland and her son, Zachary of Oxford, England and Renny (Greg) Silver of Indianapolis and their children Sara Silver- Lee (Craig) of Indianapolis and Scott Silver (Katelyn) of Vancouver, Canada; cousins Brad and Paul Ruekberg of Dallas and multiple other cousins, nieces and nephews.

Joe requested that no services be done for him.  His ashes will be spread in Mammoth Mountain, California, where he and his family had many good times.