Dr. Stuart James Ruch Jr.

HOPEDALE ~ Dr. Stuart James “Stu” Ruch, Jr., 101, of Hopedale, formerly of Pekin, passed away peacefully at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Hopedale Nursing Home.

Stu was born December 27, 1924, in Springfield, the son of Stuart J. and Mary (Furlong) Ruch, Sr. He married M. Corinne Wetterau on August 30, 1947, in Springfield, and they shared nearly 66 years of marriage before her death on July 27, 2013. He was also preceded in death by his parents and one sister.

He is survived by his five children, Peggie (Dr. Alfred) Rossi of Hopedale, Corinne (James) Smith of Peoria, Elizabeth A. Ruch of Hopedale, Dr. John (Kathie) Ruch of Mansfield, Georgia, and Rodney (Susan) Ruch of Chattanooga, Tennessee; 18 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; his brother, Rodney Ruch of Marysville, Washington; and 7 nieces and nephews.

Stu served his country during World War II as a bombardier in the U.S. Army Air Forces in the Pacific theater, attaining the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He was one of only eight living survivors of World War II living in Tazewell County.

He went on to practice podiatric medicine in Pekin for more than 40 years, caring for generations of patients before retiring in 1989. He also co-owned Ruch Orthotic Lab in Pekin with his daughter, Corinne Smith. He was instrumental in establishing one of the first hospital-based podiatry surgery training programs in the U.S. at Hopedale Medical Complex.

Stu had a lifelong interest in staying active. He ran track in high school and, years later, completed two marathons at age 60. He was also an avid golfer throughout much of his adult life. He was also an avid Chicago Cubs fan!

Retirement opened a new chapter for Stu and gave him time to pursue his love of art. He especially enjoyed painting the rural landscapes familiar to him—barns, farms and country roads—and sculpting in limestone, alabaster, marble and other stone. His paintings and sculptures remain a lasting part of the life he created and shared with his family.

Stu lived a long and full life—as a husband and father, podiatrist and veteran, athlete and artist. He leaves behind not only the family he loved, but the many lives he touched and the things of beauty he created along the way.

Stu was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hopedale.