Kurt James Ruge of Mesa, Arizona died unexpectedly in Allen Texas on July 26, 2016 at the age of 49 doing what he loved most…riding motorcycles alongside his son.
Kurt is survived by his son, Trenton Green of Gilbert, Arizona; daughter, Mariette Nielson of Orem, Utah; mother, Joy Ruge of Allen, Texas; older sister, Kristi Marshall and husband Jeff of Parker, Texas; younger sister, Stacey Davies and husband Bron of Allen, Texas; nieces and nephews, Ruston James Davies, Parker Monroe Davies, Connor James Marshall, Kameron Sion Davies and Kayli Marilyn Marshall.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Downing Ruge who died this year on April 3rd, 2016 at the age of 77.
Kurt, affectionately known as Kuru the Guru, was born on June 26, 1967 to James Downing Ruge and Joy (Cullimore) Ruge in Salt Lake City, Utah. Kurt attended Shawnee Mission West High School from 1981-1985. He was with Maureen Green beginning in 1994 then married from 1999-2001. Previous to that, he was married to Laura Long from 1988-1989.
Kurt touched many lives while living in the many places he lived: Prairie Village/Overland Park, Kansas, Provo/Orem, Utah, Mesa/Phoenix, Arizona with his last year in Parker, Texas near family. As a child, he was an Eagle Scout and Indian Guide. He spent most of his career working as a mechanic with the last few years as a Warehouse Manager for SolarCity.
Kurt was a devoted father to his son, Trenton. They shared a special father/son bond – they were each other’s co-pilots, friends, confidants and adventure buddies. He had a passion for 4-wheeling in his Bronco, riding motorcycles, buying and fixing up cars/motorcycles and camping. He truly loved the outdoors especially exploring remote canyons and dunes with his son. Kurt had a gift for being charitable to anyone. He was the epitome of the Good Samaritan who was always helping a wayfaring man no matter the inconvenience to himself. He would give the shirt off his back or his last dollar if someone he knew needed it.
There will be a couple opportunities to honor this great man at the following Memorial services:
In Texas: Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at 8pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints East Chapel Building, 1404 E. Main Street, Allen Texas. The family will receive friends during a visitation that same evening from 6:45-7:45pm at the same location.
In Arizona: Saturday, August 20th, 2016 in the evening in the Gilbert, Arizona area. Please look for more information on this website and on Kurt’s Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to help toward funeral expenses and to assist his son, Trenton, in moving back to Arizona and to start college. Contributions can be made either to www.gofundme.com/kurtruge or to Trenton Green at 3518 E. Walnut Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85298.