Wilfred J. Ruchotzke, 79, of Clarence, Iowa, died Thursday, November 27, 2008, at Mechanicsville Nursing & Rehab Center after a lengthy illness. Wilfred was born on May 4, 1929, in Cedar County, to August and Ella (Stolte) Ruchotzke. On June 5, 1955, Wilfred and Marlene H. Shedeck were married in Lowden, Iowa. Wilfred attended country school and later Trinity Lutheran grade school before graduated from Lowden High School in 1946. During the Korean conflict, he served in the U.S. Army and was honorable discharged in 1956. Wilfred farmed for over 50 years, first near Lowden and later near Oxford Junction. He had a passion for the land and farming. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Funeral services for Wilfred Ruchotzke will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowden, Iowa, at 10:30am on Tuesday, December 2, 2008, with Reverend Victor Young officiating. Burial, with military rites, will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Wilfred Ruchotzke is survived by Marlene, his wife of 53 years; children Rhonda Ruchotzke, Mark Ruchotzke and Terry (Becky) Ruchotzke; grandchildren Afton (Blake) Coleman, Kyle Thumser, Evan Ruchotzke, Madison Ruchotzke, Erin Ruchotzke and Levi Ruchotzke; and sister Donna (Bill) Branch. Wilfred was proceeded in death by his parents; brother Leroy Ruchotzke and twin brother Wilbert Ruchotzke; sisters Vera Gehrls and Irene Oetting.