Kenneth Eugene Rugg, 81, of Cataract, WI, passed away April 28, 2025, in Stoddard, WI. Born on January 29, 1944, in the small rural town of Cataract, Wisconsin, Kenneth was the son of Willard (Vic) and Evelyn (Berry) Rugg.
After graduating from Sparta High School, Kenny entered the workforce embarking on a career in construction that would span nearly four decades. He was a dedicated union carpenter, who worked for esteemed companies such as Peter Nelson Construction and Lunda Construction. An infamous work incident happened in 1967 when his scaffolding broke while working on the I-90 Mississippi River bridge project. He and a co-worker fell 44 feet but both survived. He worked on the first La Crosse Center and the Valley View Mall and many other projects in the tri state area.
Kenny’s passion for the outdoors was a defining aspect of his life. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. As a member of the Cataract Sportsman Club, Ken enjoyed trap shooting there, sharing his enthusiasm for outdoor sportsmanship and teaching the next generation. While he didn’t leave Cataract often, when he did, it was to game hunt out west or waterfowl hunt. He loved his Packers, Brewers and tending to his massive garden. He canned and processed much of his produce and his wild game.
Kenny’s yellow labs and beagles were like family to him. They often had their own place setting, albeit on the floor, during dinner. Dinner music was often Don Williams or Willie Nelson. According to Ken, there was no other music genre but country.
Ken married Diana Olguin shortly after high school and they purchased his grandfather’s homestead. This is where they raised their two sons, Brad and Mike, Ken’s proudest accomplishments. They later divorced and he married his second wife, Ellen.
Kenneth is survived by his sons Brad (Ann Abraham) Rugg of Houston, MN, Michael Rugg of New Richmond, WI; grandchildren Craig (Danielle) Peterson and Paige (Adam) Markegard; great grandchildren Hudson and Hattie Peterson; a sister Carol Leis; and first wife, Diana Clements.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Alan, Gale and Donny Rugg; a sister Darlene Guinn; brothers in law Jim Guinn, Harvey Leis; nephew Jeff Rugg and second wife Ellen.
Per Kenny’s wishes, no visitation or funeral will take place. However, he said a Celebration of Life that includes a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, would be appreciated. That gathering will be planned and announced when details are confirmed. For those who were there at his most epic goose hunt, his favorite saying was, “Harvey shot the duck ! “ The family would like to thank the staff of Creamery Creek Assisted Living in Stoddard and Moments Hospice for their exemplary care given to Ken. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Sparta, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home
