Jeffrey John Ruskan, 60, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2026, surrounded by his closest family and best friend.

Jeff was born on January 28, 1966, in Tiffin, Ohio. Throughout his life, Jeff built a successful career as an executive in acute rehabilitation hospitals, where his leadership and dedication touched many lives.

Above all else, Jeff was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He loved his family deeply and cherished the time he spent with the people closest to him. He had a gift for meaningful conversation and genuine connection, and he never seemed to shy away from a deep conversation or an opportunity to share a laugh and make a memory.

Jeff lived life to the fullest. He had a deep love for boating and fishing and treasured the freedom and time spent on the water with family and friends. A former wrestler, Jeff remained an avid supporter of high school wrestling and continued to follow and encourage the sport he loved.

Jeff is survived by his loving wife, Lynn Vitale-Ruskan; his parents, Jerry and Ruth Ruskan; his siblings, Greg Ruskan and Jennifer Owens, and brother-in-law Stephen Owens; his beloved children Catherine and Matthew Ruskan, and stepchildren Daniel Oberkirsch, Danielle Vitale, Samantha Silva, and Keira Silva; and his cherished grandchildren, Jaxson, Jolene, and Josephine.

He is also survived by his nieces, Serena and John Davis and Ashleigh Owens, and nephews, Joseph Owens and Connor Owens; and his aunts Kathy and Darlene, uncles, Tom, Mike Hinman, Robert Ruskan, Rich & Paula Ruskan, and Ron & Madelyn Ruskan.

Jeff was preceded in death by his grandparents, Florence and Jan Ruskan and Lillian and Earl Andress, and his aunt Sandi Ziraks.

Jeff had a way of making life feel bigger. He loved deeply, laughed often, asked the questions that led to the conversations you remember, and never took people he loved for granted. Whether he was out on the water, watching sports or a wrestling match, sharing a meal, or simply sitting with family & friends talking about life, Jeff was the happiest when he was surrounded by the people who mattered most to him. His presence brought people together, and the memories he created with those he loved will remain with them forever.

His greatest legacy will not be found in his career or accomplishments, but in the love he gave, the memories he created, and the lives he touched along the way.

To Lynn, his family, his friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him, Jeff was one of a kind. His chair may be empty, his voice may be quiet, and his time with us may have ended far too soon – but the love, laughter, stories, and memories he left behind will remain forever.

Jeff lived life to the fullest. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial service will be held on October 18, 2026 from 12 to 3 PM at the Shalom Acres, 480 N. Lindsey Rd., Winfield MO 63389.