Victor Leo Ruddy, 91, of Emmetsburg, IA passed away Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Emmetsburg Care Center. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM, at Holy Family Catholic Parish in Emmetsburg, IA, followed by inurnment at St. John’s Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of Mass at the church, 2003 Broadway Street, Emmetsburg, IA.
Victor Ruddy, son of John Aloisius (Jack) and Eileen Marie (Reagan) Ruddy, was born July 18, 1934, in Emmetsburg, IA. He attended St. Ellen’s Grade School and graduated from Emmetsburg High School in 1953. Victor worked at Ted’s Super Value through his high school years and then served in the United States Army.
Victor was united in marriage to Mary Karen Jackson while living in Amarillo, Texas. Victor worked in the Food Service Industry most of his adult life beginning with Rath Packing Company, Wilson Certified Meats, Sysco Foods, and retiring from Ben E. Keith Foods in Amarillo, TX in 2004. He was a born salesman and successfully sold across the state of Texas where he was known and loved by all who met him. After retirement, Victor and Karen returned to their hometown of Emmetsburg. They enjoyed their time with six months of the year in Emmetsburg and six months in Donna, Texas located in the Rio Grande Valley.
Victor was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Emmetsburg, IA and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Donna, Texas. He loved to raise tomato plants on their porch, tend to his yard, and prepare meals for Karen and so many others within the communities he lived in. His specialty was his goulash. Victor was a fun-loving guy and always tried to see the bright side of life. A real “kidder” he was always playing tricks on those around him-a great memory is of the many water gun fights with Vic in the neighborhood with his great nieces and nephews. He always made sure he had the biggest supply of water! He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Victor was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Gerald (JoAnn) Ruddy, Bill Ruddy, Jack (Joan) Ruddy, Maurice Ruddy, Ed (Ann) Ruddy, Pat Ruddy, and sister Mary (Dave) McEvoy.
He is survived by his wife, Karen; son Joe (Susan) Ruddy of Arlington, Texas; son Micheal Ruddy of West Palm Beach, Florida; and other family members who loved him.
Memorials may be made in Victor’s name and directed to Emmetsburg Catholic School or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
