John Ruzich

John Ruzich, age 90, of Pittsfield, IL died on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at Eastside Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Pittsfield surrounded by his family.  He was born on August 4, 1928 in Johnston City, IL to Fred and Anna Fak Ruzich.  He married his high school sweetheart, Virginia Seagle on February 26, 1948 in Johnston City, IL and she survives.

John graduated from Johnston City High School, where he played basketball and football and was chosen All State and Most Valuable Player.  He went on to attend Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, continuing his love of sports and was awarded Player of the Year in basketball and football.  John’s passion changed from sports and working on cars when he gave his heart to the Lord, becoming an ordained minister in 1965.  He pastored at many Nazarene churches, including Springfield Trinity, Anna First, Pittsfield, Mattoon First, and Winchester, IN.  He also served on all the camp boards and was very active and faithful with the youth on the District.  After leaving the Pastorate, John worked as Administrative Assistant to the District office.  His greatest mission in life was to bring others to Christ.  John loved his children and grandchildren, and knowing they were following the Lord’s path brought him his greatest joy.  He also greatly appreciated Don Kirk and Cleve Curry’s Sunday morning services at Eastside.  John was a good and faithful servant, who loved unconditionally and was always passionate, supportive and consistent.  He was a devoted and loving husband and father, and will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Virginia Ruzich; two children, Fred (Jennifer) Ruzich of Pittsfeld, IL and Cindy (Paul) Stevenson of Danville, IL, as well as a daughter-in-law, Resa Ruzich of Pittsfield, IL; eight grandchildren, Chad (Brandi) Ruzich, Jonathon (Tara) Ruzich, Leigh Anna (Eric) Boivin, Tyler (Laura) Ruzich, Sarah (Sam) Bugajski, Mackenzie (Greg) Neukomm, and Bryce Stevenson; and fourteen great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Anna Ruzich; a son, John L. Ruzich; a granddaughter, Lynnae Ruzich; and his siblings, Joseph, Fred, George, Michael, Rose, and Mary.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Pittsfield Church of the Nazarene.  Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Pittsfield.  Visitation will be held Friday, June 28, 2019, beginning at 1:00 PM with family to greet friends from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the church.  Memorials are suggested to Pittsfield Church of the Nazarene.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com.  Niebur Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

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