Michael Ruiz

Michael Ruiz, age 75, of Topeka, KS, passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024, at Lexington Park Assisted Living in Topeka. 

He was born the son of Francisco and Delfina (Blancas) Ruiz on October 20, 1948. After high school, Michael served his country with pride in the United States Army. In 1975, he married Irene Valdez in Topeka and together they shared 48 years of marriage. 

Michael had a long career as Foil Stamp Operator and retired from Jostens. He was an avid car enthusiast and loved all classic cars and attending car shows. In his spare time, he enjoyed tinkering on projects, tending to his yardwork, all while listening to a variety of music. 

Survivors include his two beloved sons, Michael Lee Valdez, Angelo Michael Ruiz (Michele Berendsen); a granddaughter, Halie Riedel (Kelsey); brother, Frank Ruiz (Sarah); three sisters, Susanne Brower (Willie Lang), Phyllis Ruiz (Michael Ybarra), and Patricia Bryan (Anthony). 

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Irene Ruiz; and a son, Raphael Valdez Ruiz. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024, from 6-8:00 P.M., at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home

Funeral service will be at 10:00 A.M., on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Topeka.

Memorial contributions can be made in Michael's memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.