Charles "Chuck" Joseph Ruder

Charles "Chuck" Joseph Ruder, age 88, of Bonita Springs, FL, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025, surrounded by his immediate family. Chuck was born in Bloomington, IL, on August 30, 1937, to Isadore and Margaret (Canvin) Ruder. Following Margaret’s early passing, his father married Arvada (Irps), who lovingly raised Chuck and his sisters as her own in Manteno, IL. Chuck graduated from Manteno High School in 1955 and went on to attend Northern Illinois University, where he played basketball and earned a degree in Business. He married the love of his life, Linda (Young) Ruder, on April 8, 1961, and they shared 64 wonderful years together. They raised their four children, Timothy, RaeAnn, Stephen, and Thomas, while Chuck built a distinguished career at Sears, Roebuck & Co. spanning over 35 years. His leadership roles were varied and impactful, ranging from district management to human resources and public affairs. After retiring from Sears, he embarked on a second chapter of service as the CEO of United Way of Greater Chicago, applying his extensive business experience to support community needs across the Chicagoland area. His commitment to community continued in Florida, where he served as a dedicated mentor for Champions for Learning. Drawing on his long career, he shared his passion for business and entrepreneurship mentoring high school students and taking great pride in helping them build the foundation for their own successful careers and lives. More than his work, Chuck was defined by his rock-solid moral compass and his guiding values of Faith, Family and Friends. He was a man of great integrity and unwavering kindness. He and Linda were always at the heart of social activities, and their home was a welcoming hub for extended family reunions, dinner parties, and an annual open house after Christmas Eve Mass. When you were with Chuck, you always felt important and loved. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda; his children, Timothy Ruder, RaeAnn (David) Overberg, Stephen Ruder, and Thomas (Marisa) Ruder; his grandchildren, Charles (Danielle) Derrick, Claire Ruder, Sydney Ruder, JohnClaud Ruder, Stephen Ruder, and Samantha Ruder; his sisters, Kay Jarvis and Delores (Lou) Hartlieb; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Isadore, Margaret, and Arvada Ruder, and his grandsons, Jack Ruder and Michael Derrick. A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00AM on October 13, 2025 at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 283000 Beaumont Rd, Bonita Springs, FL. The service will also be live streamed at https://facebook.com/events/s/mass-of-christian-burial-for-c/3699299053698964/ for those unable to attend in person. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Chuck's memory to the The Alzheimers Association: Attn: Donor Services 225 N. Michigan Ave, 17th floor Chicago, IL 60601 Note on Donations: 100% towards Research To sign his guest register or to leave online condolence please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

Charles "Chuck" Joseph Ruder

August 30, 1937 - September 2, 2025