Danny Lee Ruf

Danuel Lee Ruf, better known as Danny or Ban, was born on August 23, 1954 to Manuel and Margalee (Lyons) Ruf in McCook, Nebraska. He passed away at his rural Wilsonville home on April 14, 2025 at the age of 70.

Danny had a twin sister, Danette. He grew up on the family farm west of Wilsonville, Nebraska with seven sisters and one older brother. Danny attended school in Wilsonville and was the student manager of the boys’ sports. Danny enjoyed being outside with his dad feeding cattle and riding in the tractor. As Danny got older, he spent lots of time going to the cattle sales in Lexington, McCook and Norton. Wherever he went with his dad, Danny had the nickname, “Dan, Dad’s Lefthand Man.” Danny was eventually put in charge of grinding the corn everyday to feed the cattle, this would create a love of caring for his animals that lasted his entire life. In later years, he enjoyed taking care of his own cattle, spending countless hours driving out to the pasture to check the water for them. Danny also helped on the farm and spent much of his time on the mower every summer.

Danny will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. Those closest to him will miss his smile, a smile that somehow had the ability to be welcoming and mischievous at the same time. Rest in peace Danny!

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Walt and Garnet Lyons and Henry, Sr. and Mary Ruf; parents, Manuel and Margalee; siblings, Rachel Fredrick, Rex Solomon, Ken Van Duyne, Pail Kolman, Mark Hankins, and Chuck Brashears.

Danny leaves to morn his siblings: Patricia Brashears, Deanna Hankins, David (Margaret) Ruf, Nancy Van Duyne, Danette (Gary) Fanders, Cindy (Jeff) Bolin, Tammy Solomon and Clauida (Rick) Fredricks; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 AM on Friday, April 18, 2025 at the United Baptist- Christian Church in Wilsonville with Pastor Keith Theobald officiating. Burial in the Wilsonville Cemetery will follow services.

Memorials are suggested to the Wilsonville Cemetery or to a charity of the Donor’s choice. Online condolences may be left at lockenour.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Lockenour-Jones Mortuary of Cambridge.