John Richard Ruskamp
November 12, 1962 – October 22, 2024
John passed away at home on October 22, 2024, after a battle with cancer. He was born on November 12, 1962, to the late Henry and Mary (Andersen) Ruskamp in Omaha, Nebraska. He grew up as the 9th of 14 children.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by brother, Daniel.
He is survived by his son, Matthew; daughters, Rachel and Amanda (Yeaman); granddaughter, Adrienne; ex-wife, Cindy Christensen, all of Omaha. Additional survivors include siblings: Steve, Laura, Rev. Robert, Anna Marie, Ed, Gina, Margaret, Nancy, Bill, Jennifer, Dave, and Paul; numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.
During his career, John worked as a meat cutter and many knew him as “John the Butcher”, an expert at his craft. He met his wife at a bar after she ordered him a drink from across the room. After the drink was mistakenly served to his brother Dan, Cindy quickly walked over to give the beer to the right person and thus began their loving relationship. John devoted his time to his work, family and beloved pets over the years. He instilled in his children the importance of family. He was quick witted, and very artistic and creative. Whatever he was creating, whether it was writing a joke or a poem, or sketching a picture, John did so with someone he loved in mind.
He became a proud grandpa on September 7, 2011, to his one and only granddaughter, Adrienne Ann Yeaman, who takes after him in her artistic abilities. He was very kind and thoughtful. For instance, it was typical of John to bring someone the newspaper of the day they were born. He was often nostalgic about fond family memories, especially of raising his children, spending time with his granddaughter, and recalling numerous stories from the annual “fishing trip” he would go on with his brothers. More recently, his son and many nephews joined as well. John was great at giving a person loving words of encouragement to brighten their day. He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
VIGIL SERVICE: Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 7:00PM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha with VISITATION from 5:30-7:00PM.
GRAVESIDE SERVICE AND INTERMENT: Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 11:00AM, Calvary Cemetery, 7710 West Center Road, Omaha.
To view a live broadcast of the Vigil Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of home page.
9 Comments
My brother John, as you all well know, was a brilliant, clever, funny and talented man. I will miss his crooked grin and quick wit, his intelligence and sarcasm. John, I’m never going to forget our long walks and long talks. I hope you are sharing a beer with Dad and Dan, and Randy and Sharon. Love you so much, Am
We are so sorry for the loss of your father. We were really hoping to meet him someday. He sounded an amazing man who loved his family big! Sending hugs and prayers to you all and extra ones for Amanda & Adrienne..love you both. Randy and Lisa
Jerry and I are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family .
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I met John through my daughter’s father John West or just “West”. John and West worked together at Phil’s foodway for quite some time. My daughter Ella loved John. She would get so excited to go to Phil’s and run back to the meat department with whatever snack she brought for them to share that day. John would smile and scoop her up and ask her ” well lil miss, what are we having today?” John will be so very missed. Again, I’m so sorry for your loss
My deepest and sincerest sympathy’s to the Ruskamp family.
I’ve been a friend of John’s (Butcherman) since 2003. I’m going to miss the intelligent conversation’s we had over the years. Butcherman I’m going to miss you and I’ll never forget you my friend, rest in peace my brother until we meet again.
I started working with Big John in 2000 at Wohlners. I will miss his wit and good life conversations. Taught me more about the meat cutting trade than anyone in my 36 year career. It’s not going to be the same without you my friend. Love ya man..
John you are now a legend of this world. Thank you for all your encouragement in stating my butchery and for teachings me everything that you could about our craft. You Are greatly missed and I wouldn’t be where I am now without your guidance
My sincere condolences to the families. John was a good hearted person and a friend. RIP John. Your friend and former neighbor, Jack Peoples
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