Mr. Ruthman joined the family business at 16 and spent his entire career in the pump industry. After learning the business from the ground up, he took over from his father, founder Alois Ruthman, and continued the company’s legacy of innovation. Under his leadership, the company grew from its flagship brand, Gusher Pumps, to a multi-national group of manufacturing, service and distribution brands.
Mr. Ruthman also established and managed the Ruthman Family Farms. Located in northwest Ohio, the farm produces corn, soybean and wheat on over 10,000 acres. Always with an eye toward future technology, in recent years he expanded the farm business into cellular, wind and solar.
In addition to being an astute businessman, Mr. Ruthman was a prolific philanthropist. He generously supported countless local arts, education, and human services charities.
In more recent years, Mr. Ruthman stepped back from the day-to-day running of the company to spend time with his beloved wife of 45 years, Audrey, his three children and 11 grandchildren. He remained on the board of Ruthman Companies and was still a near-daily presence at the corporate headquarters.
Mr. Ruthman spent his semi-retirement pursuing his hobbies: stamp collecting, model trains and following securities trading. He also used his time to continue to serve his community, holding board positions with local non-profits. As a friend of Bill for 48 years, he was passionate about helping others find a design for living that really works.
He will be deeply missed by all at our family company, where many have worked with him for decades. His son, Thomas G. Ruthman, will lead Ruthman Companies into the future.
“My dad taught me to place service to our customers first and to always value the quality of our work,” said Tom G. “He was fond of a quote that has hung on our office walls for years, ‘Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.’ These are the lessons I will carry with me as I honor his legacy going forward.”
