Earl W. DeRuyter, 70, of Oostburg, Wisconsin, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on November 1, 2026, following a heart attack.
Born on October 17, 1956, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Earl grew up in Cedar Grove, where he attended elementary, middle, and high school, graduating with the class of 1975. He remained close to the community throughout his life, eventually making his home in neighboring Oostburg.
Earl dedicated 43 years of his working life to Kohler Co., where he built a long career before retiring.
Earl was a funny, caring, and genuinely wonderful person who always seemed happy to lend a helping hand. He had a gift for making people feel welcome and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. Whether he was helping a family member with a project, offering a hand to someone in need, or simply stopping to talk, Earl had a way of brightening the day of everyone he encountered.
Above all, Earl loved his family. He took great pride in being there for his two sons and was always ready to help with whatever project or task they had going on. His greatest joy was being an active part of his grandchildren’s lives. He rarely missed an important school or sporting event and was a familiar, dependable presence in their everyday lives. He regularly picked up his grandchildren Bayo and Maliha from school, making those everyday moments another opportunity to spend time with the people he loved.
Earl’s willingness to help, his easygoing humor, his conversations, and his constant presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He never needed a special occasion to show someone he cared. He simply showed up, time and time again.
Earl is survived by his two sons, Jim DeRuyter and his wife, Sara DeRuyter (Fritsch), and Chris DeRuyter; six grandchildren, Joshua, Zachary, Bayo, Maliha, Koa, and Xenia; his mother, Edie Beernink; his sister, lone (Dan) Brill; his sister-in-law, Jane (John) Donald; nephews Jason and Travis DeRuyter and their families; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald DeRuyter, his brother, Glen DeRuyter and his step-father Ivan Beernink.
Earl will be remembered for his generous heart, his sense of humor, his willingness to help anyone who needed it, and most importantly, the love he gave so freely to his family. His presence in the lives of those he loved can never be replaced, and he will be missed more than words can express.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00PM on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Wenig Funeral Home, 108 Center Ave. in Oostburg. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Saturday from 1:00-3:00PM.
Wenig Funeral Home – Oostburg (920-564-2771) is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit wenigfh.com for online condolences.
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