Gregory Von Ruden, 73, Owatonna

Gregory Donald Von Ruden, age 73, of Owatonna, passed away peacefully on Jan. 27, 2026, in New Prague, after a courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) on his 73rd birthday.

Born Jan. 27, 1953, in Owatonna to Raymond Edward Von Ruden and Delores Dorothy (Mertinke) Von Ruden, Greg spent his early years in Claremont before his family relocated to Owatonna, where he lived for the remainder of his life. He graduated from Owatonna High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Winona State University.

Following college, Greg worked alongside his father at General Equipment Company, later transitioning into self-employment, where he built custom street rod cars, including one for a former NFL MVP quarterback, along with work for other notable individuals. He later worked part-time at O’Reilly Auto Parts in Owatonna.

Greg held a private pilot’s license and had a lifelong love of aviation. In recent years, he regularly attended the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis., each July with his brothers and nephews, making it a cherished family tradition.

Greg is survived by all nine of his siblings: Dennis (Julie), Richard (Diane), Nancy (Joe) Glentz, Philip, Nicholas, Vincent (Suzanne), Theresa (Marty) Brady, Christopher (Sandy), and Theodore, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Memorial service for Greg will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Michaelson Funeral Home, 1930 Austin Road in Owatonna. A visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service with a light lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an AML-related charity, such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.