Karl C. Ruch

Karl C. Ruch was born June 2, 1930 and raised in the Frankford neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. He resided in Northeast Philadelphia until he was 80 years old, at which time he and his wife, Faith, moved to Schwenksville, PA. in Montgomery County, to live next door to their daughter, Karen and her husband, Glynn. Karl loved his entire family and adored his grandchildren. He and Faith never missed an opportunity be with and influence their grandchildren in a positive way. The Bible principles he taught his chldren and grandchildren still have an impact on them today. Karl, at the age of 8 years old, as well as his family, started to learn Bible truths from their neighbors, the Confehr family, on Penn St. He was baptized on April 25, 1948 as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. After graduating high school, throughout his college years, and for the16 years following college, he continued to donate pioneer hours each month with helping others better their lives with Bible truths, sharing the wonderful Kingdom hope Jesus taught and the promise fro a Paradise Earth where there will be "no more death, sickness, pain or suffering of any kind" (Rev. 21: 3 & 4). He served in a congregational capacity for over 60 years and as an Elder within the congregation for over 40 years, up until his death. During that time, he helped many people to learn the Bible truths and in so doing, developed many very close friendships. Over the years of his life, he served at many congregations, some of which are: Frankford, Fair Hill, Kensington, North Unit, Burholme, all located in Philadelphia, PA., as well as West Green Lane Congregation in Perkiomenville, PA. He cherished all of his dear friends, but was especially happy, that throughout the years, he did not loose contact with his childhood friends, Donald Confehr and Christian Weining. Karl, at age 12, discovered he loved chemistry. This love of chemistry led him to pursue the field of Pharmacology. He graduated from Temple Univesity in 1952. While a student at Temple, he worked at Entwistle Pharmacy at Frankford Ave. and Harrison St. in Philadelphia. After his graduation from college, he worked at Ossares Pharmacy for several years. In June of 1967, he started working as the Pharmacist 'on call' and general manager for the Penn Herb Company at 2nd and Spring Garden Streets in Philadelphia, He helped bring great success to the company because of what he was able to bring to the table with his pharmaceutical knowledge, talents, and experience in the field of medicine and herbs. He worked with the owner and dear friend, Bill Betz, Sr. and the Penn Herb family, for 45 years. He also studied the Bible with Bill and his wife Jane, helping them to learn the Bible truths. They remained close friends and faithful witnesses of Jehovah throughout their lives together. The years working with Bill and his Penn Herb family were very special to him and he developed very dear and long lasting friendships with many at his company. Throughout the years, there were many friends and families that Karl helped and loved dearly. To name just a few--the Holtzman Family, the Springer Family, the Lattimore Family, the Oetzel Family, and so many more that were very dear to him. Karl met the love of his life, Faith Paull, who at the time, lived on Weikel St. in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. Faith too loved the Bible and learned Bible truths from Eleanor Clayton. She was also helped by the Weining Family with her Bible studies and Baptism, continuing to be close friends with Faith Weining for many years. Karl and Faith became close friends and later married on September 7, 1957. They lived for 10 years together in an apartment on Filmore St., near Jeannes Hospital. They later moved to their home on Tabor Ave. where they stayed for over 40 years. Karl and Faith had a beautiful marriage. Each day of their 59 years of marriage they expressed their love for one another. Together, they continued to help others in their ministry, as well as their dear friends and family. They loved having children and raised a loving son and daughter. They were also very involved in the lives of their grandchildren. There was never a week that went by that they did not spend time with their grandchildren. Their love for God Jehovah, as well as their love for their family, dear friends and those in their community, was an intrinsic part of their lives. Their greatest happiness was "giving of themselves to help others" (Acts 20:35). Karl had other interests and hobbies as well. As a child, up until his later years, he loved radio-controlled model airplanes, which he flew often on the empty lots near his childhood home on Penn Street. When he moved to the Northeast, he flew his planes on lots in the Greater Northeast section of Philadelphia with his friend John Roberts. He loved driving his Karmann Ghia as well as working on and driving his Plymouth Duster and other cars he owned. He also enjoyed driving his Honda motorcycle too, especially down Pine Road in Northeast Philadelphia. Karl was also know for his great talent in music. He played the piano so effortlessly and beautifully. He played songs at the Kingdom Hall, Assembly Halls and classical music for all to enjoy. His professional piano player, when he was a child, cried when Karl did not pursue a career as a pianist. He did, for decades, share his beautiful talent at many occasions and the memories of Karl playing the piano, especially his classical pieces, will warm hearts forever. Karl will be missed greatly by his dear family and friends. He lived a very spiritually rich life and had a positive influence on so many people that will forever be appreciated. We share Karl's hope of the resurrection when we will be able to live again in Paradise. (John 5:28 & 29). So Karl, this is not goodbye, but until we see you again! One of Karl's favorite scriptures: Psalm 23 - Jehovah God is my Shepherd Karl is survived by his loving wife, Faith (nee Paull), a loving son Karl, Jr. (Kira) and loving daughter Karen Stewart (Glynn), as well as his adoring grandchildren August and Karl Gabriel Ruch, and Shannon, Sean, Liam Karl and Ethan Stewart. He is also survived by his loving brother Chester Ruch (Rosie). He will be sadly missed by his loving nieces Valerie D'Allessandro, Tracy Maurer, and nephew Wayne Ruch along with their spouses and children.

Karl C. Ruch

May 31, 2016