Arbel "Archie" Ruhlander - 70
South Chicago Heights, IL
Arbel "Archie" Ruhlander Jr., Age 70
Longtime resident of South Chicago Heights, formerly of Crete, Oconomowoc, WI and Chicago's Roseland neighborhood. Archie attended Crete-Monee High School and graduated from Kettle Moraine High School. He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and later graduated from Lewis University in Romeoville with a degree in Aviation Maintenance. Archie, an avid pilot, began his career teaching Airframe and Power Plant at Lewis University, later becoming a partner at AM Corp Flight Center at the Lansing Airport. For the past 30 years, he proudly operated his own business, Aero Marine Services Inc. A passionate boater and lifetime member—and past Commodore—of the Indiana Harbor Yacht Club, Archie found joy in fishing trips to Canada and driving cross-country in his RV. He flew Cessnas, Beechcraft and Pipers and served as an FAA inspector during his aviation career. A proud Parrot Head, he loved Jimmy Buffett music and never missed a chance to sing karaoke with friends and family. He loved the open water, the open skies, the open road, and the freedom of all three. Beloved husband of 48 years to Sandra (née Daniels). Loving father of Jason Ruhlander and Christopher Ruhlander (Danielle Logsdon). Cherished grandfather of Aiden and Sophia Ruhlander, Anthony, Dillon, Lucas, and Evelyn Ruhlander. Son of the late Kathryn (née Teschner) and Arbel L. Ruhlander Sr. Dear brother of Cheryl (late Steve) Williams and Scot (Yvonne) Ruhlander. Brother-in-law of Robert David (Marie) Daniels. Fond uncle to many nieces and nephews. A friend to many, Archie will be dearly missed - especially by his loyal Golden Retrievers, Lucy and Boni. Memorial visitation will be held at Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home, 530 West 14th Street (US Rt 30, 3 blks E of Western Avenue, Chicago Heights on Saturday July 26, 2025 from 12 noon until time of the memorial service at 3:00 pm. Burial private. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Archie's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or online at www.stjude.org would be appreciated by the Ruhlander family. Info 708-481-9230 and panozzobros.com.
