Richard Ruhlen

Richard Joseph Ruhlen 75, of Tampa, Fla., formerly of Lima, Ohio, died September 11, 2009, in University Community Hospital, Tampa, Florida. He was born May 30, 1934, in Lima, Ohio to Jesse Herman and Grace Fraunfelter Ruhlen, who preceded him in death. He married Karen Marie Ruhlen, who died November 22, 2004. Mr. Ruhlen graduated with a master?s degree in music from the University of Michigan. His love of music led him to his lifelong career of teaching beginning band students, mainly at Sligh Junior High School, where he taught thousands of Tampa students to play an instrument. He was a member of the Ohio Music Education Association and the Music Educators National Conference. He was an excellent trumpet player and played in many bands both in the Lima area and Tampa, Florida, area. Survivors include a son, John Ruhlen, of Tampa, Florida; a daughter, Gayle (Keith) Miller, of Temple Terrace, Florida; two stepsons, Kenny Banning and Frank Banning; a brother, Bill (Helen) Ruhlen, of Findlay, Ohio; and two grandchildren, Trent Miller and Lauren Miller. Services will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church. A graveside service will begin at 1 p.m. Thursday at Greenlawn Cemetery, Elida, Ohio. Veterans Graveside Service conducted by VFW Post 1275. The Rev. Kent Wilson will officiate. No visitation will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church Mission Fund. Arrangements are by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.