Eugene C. Ruggles

Eugene C. Ruggles, 95, passed away Sunday, April 28, 2019 at St. Anthony Hospital in Michigan City.

He was born on February 19, 1924 at 915 Ohio Street in Michigan City, IN, to Leslie E. and Clara (Schmidt) Ruggles.

After graduation from Elston High School, Class of 1941, Gene served three years in the US Army Air Corps during WWII.

His first wife, Charlotte Ann (Thomas) Ruggles gave birth to daughter, Claudia, and son, Tom.  Following that, he and Joan Lois (Ruetz) Ruggles were married for 55 years until her death in 2013.  She gave birth to son, Gregory, and daughter, Gayle.  Gene was employed in the Plant Engineering Department at NIPSCO for 39 years.

Gene is survived by Claudia (Dave) Biela of Michigan City, Gregory (Gail Ann Hanke) Ruggles of Alpharetta, GA, and Gayle (Paul) Hughes of Sewell, NJ; 9 grandchildren, Jennifer, Jim and Jeff Biela, Emily and Clair Ruggles, and Paul David, Joel, Kyle and Cole Hughes; and 4 great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Jimmy, Charli and Joey Biela.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joan; and son, Tom.

An informal service with full military honors will be held at 12 pm (CT) on Friday, May 3, 2019 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2900 Monroe St., La Porte.  Friends are welcome.

An opportunity to visit with the family will take place an hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Burial will follow the service at Swan Lake Cemetery in Michigan City, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Boys & Girls Club of Michigan City, 321 Detroit Street, Michigan City, IN  46360.

Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlercares.com.