John Orlan Ruff was born on the family farm in Aurora County, South Dakota, on August 26, 1940, to John Carl "Jack" Ruff and Laura Clara Henrietta (Borman) Ruff. He was baptized at the Pleasant Valley Lutheran Church and attended Beulah # 12 country school where he graduated from the eighth grade. He attended Stickney High School and at the age of 17, boarded a bus in Stickney, SD, for navy boot camp.

He mustered out of the Navy at the age of 21, after a tour as a Sea-bee in Gitmo Cuba and Puerto Rico. He returned to South Dakota and entered the construction trades, becoming a member of the International Iron Workers' Union. He worked on the Big Bend Dam and major construction projects across South Dakota and the Midwest.

In the mid-seventies, he moved to Custer, SD, where he engaged in various business ventures and decided to attend the South Dakota Police Academy in Pierre. He then became a Custer County Deputy Sheriff.

In 1981, he took a job becoming South Dakota's one and only Keystone Cop. In the late 80's, he attended the National College of Business in Rapid City, and graduated with an Associate's Degree at age 47. He spent the rest of his working years in the insurance, security, and gaming industries.

He shall be forever remembered for his love of animals, his willingness to help out those less fortunate, his admiration of his family, and his personal relationship with God Almighty and His Son, Jesus Christ.

John Orlan Ruff, 77, of Sturgis, died Saturday, April 21, 2018, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kathy (Stam) Ruff; his sister, Deone Stredde; five children, John Srstka (Cindy), James Srstka (Jennifer), Charis Straatmeyer (Ken), Jonathan Ruff (fiancée, Sammy), Jodi Aga (Kevin), and special daughter, Julie Dobesh; sixteen grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Laura Ruff; one brother-in-law, Fred Stredde; and a godson and nephew, Brian Stredde.

Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 27, 2018, at Believers Fellowship Church in Sturgis with Pastor John Williamson officiating. Inurnment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

In lieu of flowers, the family has decided that memorial monies will be given to Selah Youth Program at Believers Fellowship. This is a program to help kid's strengthen their relationship with Christ.

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