Joseph A. Ruland's Obituary
Joseph A. Ruland, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away July 2nd, 2022 at Parma Medical
Center at the age of 71.
He was born on January 30th, 1951 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Bette Smoczynski.
Following graduation, Joe enlisted in the Army and was a Special Forces Weapons Sergeant in
the 5th Special Forces Group.
He married Donna Ruland on August 6th, 1988. They have been married for 33 years.
Joe loved spending time with his family and always had a joke to make the whole room laugh.
He was the 13th District Commander for the Ohio American Legion (2019-2020, 2020-2021), a
Post 2 Commander, Member of the Sons of the American Legion, Member of the Special Forces
Association, Member of the VFW Post 3345, and a part of Project Healing Waters. He really
took pride in advocating for the veterans and being a part of these associations. He also loved
to fish and enjoyed making his own fishing rods and tying his own flies.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children Ken Ruland, Angela Ruland (Ryan
Poorman), Jenny Terbrack, Steven (Stephanie) Philips, and Terrance (Romina) Philips; siblings
Judy Krinjeck, Cathy (Charlie) Mccandlish, Linda (Gregory) Hayes, Margaret Queen, and brother-
in-law Alan Lew; grandchildren Michaela, Hayley, Taylor, Zach, Tyler, Jordan, Romina, and
Rebecca; greatgrandchildren Daniel, Maeve, and Keiran; his beloved aunt Dorothy Medvetz;
his dog Milo; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Kenneth (Barbara) Ruland, Lois (Chuck)
Kelly, Sharon Lew; and brother-in-law Ernie Krinjeck.
VISITATION will be held on SATURDAY, July 16th, 2022 from 12pm-2pm. at
JARDINE FUNERAL HOME, 15822 Pearl Road, Strongsville. SERVICES to follow SAME DAY
at 2pm. Following the services, the family is inviting everyone to a time of fellowship at
American Legion Hall, Post 572, 6483 State Road, Parma from 4pm-6pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Project Healing Waters
https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/projecthealingwatersflyfishing or the American Heart Association
https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give.
What’s your fondest memory of Joseph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joseph?
Share a story where Joseph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joseph you’ll never forget.
How did Joseph make you smile?