Wayne Keith Ruhl

Wayne Keith Ruhl, age 83, of Melrose, IA, passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Wayne was born on June 4, 1942, in Albany, IN, to Archie and Madonna (Olson) Ruhl. He grew up attending school, graduating from high school in Webster City. Wayne furthered his education at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, graduating in 1965. On August 24, 1963, Wayne was united in marriage to Sandra Park and to this union, 2 sons, Matthew and Patrick, were born. Wayne and Sandra later divorced. Wayne married Carolyn Beal on November 10, 2002, and they shared nearly 23 years of marriage prior to his passing. Wayne dedicated over 50 years to his career as a pharmacist. Throughout those years, he owned and operated Woolco Pharmacy in Colorado and also worked in pharmacies in California and Iowa, ultimately retiring from the Monroe County Hospital in Albia. In recognition of his many years of dedicated service, Wayne was honored with a certificate from the Governor. Wayne was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. He loved spending time outdoors, especially boating and fishing with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed skiing, golfing and traveling to favorite destinations, such as Hawaii, Arizona, and the Bahamas. Wayne was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes and Colorado Buffaloes fan. He was known for his kind and gentle spirit and generous heart, always willing to help anyone in need. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Carolyn; sons, Matthew Ruhl and Patrick (Kathie) Ruhl; grandchildren, Hayley, Hayden, Travis, Michael, and Jacob Ruhl; a great grandson, Jaxson; a sister, Diana Brennan; a brother, Gary Ruhl; his brothers and sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews; and a long list of loving, loyal friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Madonna Ruhl; a sister, Lois White; and 2 brothers, Darrell and Neil Ruhl. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Wayne’s family present to greet family and friends. A luncheon will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Albia Baptist Temple. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Selection Cemetery in Albia, with Deacon Ed Kamerick and Pastor Terry Wilhite co-officiating. A procession will form at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia at 1:45 p.m. An open memorial has been established and will be determined at a later date.

Wayne Keith Ruhl

June 4, 1942 - October 29, 2025