Matthew Henke Ruge
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On February 27, 2024 @ 8:00 am In 2024,Obituaries | 16 Comments
Matthew Henke Ruge was born on February second, 1997, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to proud parents Sean Ruge and Christi Henke. Even as a baby, he already showed signs of ‘perfecting the art of kindness’ …he was happy and a joy to everyone around him. After a couple of years in Massachusetts, Sean, Christi, Matt and little sister Hannah relocated to Read’s Landing, MN in time for Matt to develop the best Minne-soooota accent in the state! Growing up on the bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, Matt quickly became a lifelong outdoorsman; spending days hunting, fishing, kayaking, and hiking the woods around Wabasha. He also made lifelong friends throughout the community, becoming one of the most well liked and happy-go-lucky kids around. He wouldn’t hesitate to drop what he was doing to help a friend or neighbor in need. Unknown to most, he battled serious health issues associated with Crohn’s Disease throughout his childhood and early adulthood, but he remained cheery and upbeat always and finally gained the upper hand over a difficult, persistent medical condition. Which makes his accomplishments even more inspiring to those who knew him.
Matt played youth hockey, was on the school’s golf and sport shooting teams and despite his medical challenges, his pluck and determination carried him through, and he was a great team player, the ‘glue guy’, that made everyone around him better. These valuable personality traits later helped him become a skilled police officer and teammate. He didn’t like being the center of attention, but was a rock and foundation for those around him.
Matt was proud of his grades in school, and also a fast learner…making him one of those students who could quickly produce a school project or paper and absorb information with seemingly little effort, sometimes just to frustrate his little sister Hannah and closest classmates! It’s not surprising to his family and friends that he earned his nickname Matt ‘The Book’ Ruge at work…because he absorbed the books and procedures directly into his brain.
Matt from the earliest age wanted to help and protect people and serve his country, considering first a career in the military, but could not enlist because of his medical condition. However, he found his true calling as a police officer, becoming an even greater force for good in the world. He said he wanted to be there for people when they were having the worst day of their life, and help them overcome it. But those of us who knew him best also knew that Matt would often let his mischievous sense of humor free. Not only was he good for a laugh, but he could defuse a tense situation with humor. Matt loved spending time with family, friends, and his dog Ranger. Matt was always prepared for anything and would often say, “it’s practical and that’s what makes it cool.” He believed that there wasn’t anything that couldn’t be fixed with the duct tape rolled on a card, paracord, lighter and knife he carried with him everywhere “just in case.”
Matt graduated from the Wabasha-Kellogg High School, Class of 2015, where he was awarded the Falcon Award for good sportsmanship and the Shawn Schneider Memorial Scholarship for law enforcement careers. Later on, after joining the Burnsville Police Department, he was the recipient of the Life Saving Medal. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from his Law Enforcement program at Mankato State. He also was a trained hostage negotiator and evidence officer.
Matthew Henke Ruge is someone who is rare in this world…a true hero. He was proud to call his fellow officers at the Burnsville Police Department his true brothers and sisters. He did not hesitate to risk himself to save others and found a true calling for his life. He was part of the solution…not part of the problem. He is the light of our lives…he is already greatly missed, but will be with us always. And he will continue to inspire us to be kind and make the world better every day. Please continue to pray for us and all of the grieving families, friends, and especially the incredible law enforcement and first responder community.
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Matt’s bravery and service will always be an inspiration to us all. His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
The Knops family has lots of great memories skiing in the UP with all of you. Although no words can take away the pain, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs to all of you. Jessie, Zoe, Mia and Jeff Knops
“Our darkest grief has that bronze color of the moon eclipsed. There is no ill which may not be dissipated, like the dark, if you let in a stronger light upon it.” ~Henry David Thoreau
Matt was a strong light for so many. May you find strength in the love and support of friends, family and each other as you navigate this unimaginable loss and find the light again.
My sincere condolence to your family, it sounds like he was a great guy and will be truly missed by everyone who knew him.
So very sorry for your family’s loss. He’s a special young man. Your family and all who loved him are in our prayers.
My sincere sympathies to the Henke/Ruge families. His grandmother is my cousin on her Mom’s side. He lived an exemplary life and I know he will be greatly missed.
As a long time resident of Burnsville, thank you for your service to my community, Matt! My sincere condolences to Matt’s family and friends at this heartbreaking time. I am forever grateful for all who choose this honorable and noble profession. Forever a hero!
Although I never had the pleasure of meeting, Matt, I know his mom who has always shown herself to be such a kind and gentle soul. It sounds like Matt has so many wonderful traits of his mom’s… quiet strength, helpfulness, kindness. There are so few among us who would ever put our lives on the line for others who we don’t even know. What a hero, Matt was to do just that! I will always be grateful for our law-enforcement. Walking that the blue line between good and evil. Running towards danger in order to keep us all safe. My heart breaks for you, Christi and family.. I wish I knew what to say to give comfort at this moment, but there are just no words. Please know that I continue to pray for you all and that God will wrap His loving arms around you and give you comfort and strength. “ Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”. Matthew 5:9
My deepest sympathies for your loss
I’m incredibly sorry, Sean and Christin. I have the utmost respect for Matthew and his fellow police officers and first responders working day after day to keep the rest of us safe. This is not a job, but a true service to society. Thank you, Officer Ruge, for your dedication and sacrifice. You will not be forgotten.
I would like to offer my most heartfelt prayers and sympathy for Matt’s family. Though I did not know Matt, Paul, or Adam I share their grief and tears. I retired with 25 yrs in Police work in 2013 (Metro Area) I attended too many police funerals in my past while employed. No amount of words will ease the pain. All I can say is hold onto the memories. They will always remain alive and close. Know that you’re all loved and they will never ever be forgotten ❤.
My heart breaks for your loss.
Prayers that you can find some comfort knowing God is holding you close in His loving arms.
Brenda, Eagan MN
Dear Christi, Sean, Hannah, Toots and all who grieve for Matthew,
We will never make sense of his tragic death. Your loving tribute helps us understand that serving the public as a police officer was his calling. He gave his life so that others may live. There is no greater act. We hope the love and support from the community, his comrades and your family will help to sustain you on those days when your grief is heavy. You are in our prayers.
Read the obituary and what can anyone add to such wonderful words? Remembering the one-on-one conversation I had with Matt on way to Rushford lot.. he was about 12 … I thought “what a clever interesting fellow!” He certainly has a future! Deepest condolences from John and Dawn
My husband Gary & I are sharing your grief in the loss of your beloved son. We can’t help remember the domestic situation that took the life of our own officer, Shawn Schneider, in 2011 when Gary was Chief of Police here in Lake City, MN. How special that Matt received the scholarship that memorializes him! We are deeply saddened that you are suffering this tragic loss. We will never forget the sacrifice that Matt, Paul and Adam made! God bless you all & keep their brothers & sisters safe as they face their own dangerous situations. ✝️
I’m a friend of Maggie’s… I just wanted to extend my deepest condolances to you during this trying time. I know nothing can take the place of your son it is difficult to imagine the grief you are now experiencing He was a true hero and he will always be with you . Sending you much love, Judi
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My heartfelt prayers are with you all during this sad time. Matt was a true hero and will be greatly missed by many people but will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service to the citizens of Burnsville, Mn, Matt. My heartfelt prayers are with your families, friends and fellow officers and firefighters and Sherriffs departments on this terrible loss. Paul, Matt and Adam you all will be missed but never forgotten. May you all shine in heaven and keep watch up in heaven while your brothers and sisters and fellow firefighters and Sherriffs departments have the watch on earth. May you all Rest In Heaven and Peace. My Heartfelt Prayers and God’s Love, Mark VonBank-Park Rapids, Mn.