Michael Joseph Ruen

Michael J. Ruen “Mike” May 1, 1941 - July 29, 2021; Mike was born in Detroit, Michigan to his parents John “Hank” Ruen and Marion Martin Ruen. He grew up in Michigan with the four brothers he cherished (Jack, Dan, Tim and Terry) and never lost his passion for family and friends. In 1963, Mike relocated to Jacksonville, Florida to manage manufacturing for Cleaners Hanger Company, a third-generation family company. In 1965, he found his true love and married Mary Lee Bedsaul “Polly” and was a devoted husband and father of their three children Michael Jr. (Meg), Christopher (Georgia) and Robin (Dennis). Mike was a proud grandfather of Lauren, Reece, William, Catherine, Nicholas, Maggie, Michael III and Sarah.

Following his retirement, Mike enjoyed working with his wife Polly building custom homes and enjoyed fastening his tool belt and working beside the contractors. He was a devout Catholic and parishioner at San Jose Catholic Church where he was also a Eucharistic Minister and later Saint Paul’s Catholic Church. Mike enjoyed boating, golf and spending time with his grandchildren on the beach or the fresh water of Lake Blue Ridge, which reminded him of the lakes he grew up enjoying in Michigan. Always generous, Mike supported several charities including the Sisters’ of the Poor, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Alzheimer’s Foundation.

He will be laid to rest at Oaklawn Cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida following a private mass with family. We welcome family and friends to attend a celebration of Mike’s life at 3:00 pm on September 11, 2021. The event will take place at Costa Verano, 1031 1st Street South, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250. Valet parking will be available. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.