Lawrence Laverne Ruedy, 88, of Sparta, Wisconsin, passed away on February 22, 2026, in Sparta. He was born on October 22, 1937, in Sparta to Clifford and Grace (Harr) Ruedy. Lawrence grew up in Bush Prairie, Town of Lafayette, and attended the Bush Prairie School through eighth grade before graduating from Sparta High School in 1955. He went on to complete the UW Agriculture Short Course in Madison in 1956.

Throughout his youth, Lawrence was active in 4-H and FFA, exhibiting dairy, swine, and beef at both county and state fairs. His dedication to agriculture earned him the Wisconsin State Farmer Degree and, later, the American Farmer Award in Kansas City. Working alongside his parents and brother, Francis (Bud) Ruedy, he helped build a respected herd of registered Holsteins on the family farm and continued that work with his sons, who later went on to expand the operation to focus on corn and soybeans after the sale of the cattle.

On October 11, 1958, Lawrence married his high-school classmate, Carole Jenkins. Together they built their life on the family farm and raised four children: Jill, Joe, Jeff, and Jary. He was a proud grandfather to 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, a title which he fully embraced. Lawrence was also very involved in his community, serving 30 years as a supervisor on the Town of Lafayette Board, and proudly serving eight years in the Wisconsin National Guard. In his free time, Lawrence enjoyed deer hunting on his land, a time of year where his family all gathered to hunt, eat, and share stories. He also loved trout fishing in Bailey Creek and the memorable fishing trips to Canada with family and friends. He passed this love of the outdoors on to his children and grandchildren, who will carry on his hunting and fishing traditions on the family land. Known for his quiet demeanor and sense of humor, he was always ready with a wise crack or to check his grandkids’ gizzards to make them laugh.

Lawrence was an exceptionally hard-working farmer. He remained devoted to the farm and could often be found riding along with his sons or offering help from the cab of his truck. He also enjoyed spending a month each winter golfing in Gulf Shores, Alabama with Carole, and making trips to Madison to cheer on the Badgers. He rarely missed a Wisconsin sports game, always cheering on the Badgers, Brewers, and Packers. In August 2025, Lawrence, Carole and family were honored at the Wisconsin State Fair with the Century Farm Award, celebrating 100 years of the Ruedy family farm’s legacy.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Grace Ruedy; his brothers, Dean and Francis (Bud) Ruedy; his sister and brother-in-law, Jean and George Olson; and his son-in-law, Tom Wise.

Lawrence is survived by his wife, Carole, and their four children. Jill Wise and her children, Jared Wise, son Casen; Jenna (Brandon) Novack, children Hensley and Hudson; and Jonathan (Emily) Wise, children Lennon and Croix. Joe (Sue) Ruedy and their children, Stephanie (Jared) Smith, sons Weston and Cooper, and Samantha (Logan) Winker, children Effie, Bennett, and Millie. Jeff (Donna) Ruedy and his two sons, Tyler (Chelsea) Ruedy, children Valerie and Luka, and Trent Ruedy; along with Donna’s four children and 11 grandchildren. Jary (Lisa Volden) Ruedy and his children, Maggie (Garrett) Jessie, children Keagen and Kinsley, and Lane (Dana Jones) Ruedy, daughter Robin, and Dana’s children Axel and Freya. He is further survived by his sister-in-law, Marilyn Ruedy, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Coulee Region Cremation Group, of Onalaska, WI, is assisting with arrangements. Per Lawrence’s wishes, there will be no services. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, and memorials may be given to Sparta FFA Alumni.

Condolences may be made by visiting CouleeCremation.com.