Donald Lee Ruzicka

It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we announce our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend, Donald Lee Ruzicka, 86, of Highland, UT, passed away on December 6, 2024, in Lehi, UT.

Don was born on February 27, 1938, in New York City, NY to Fred Ruzicka and Evelyn Sue Ruzicka (nee Russell). Donnie, as he was affectionately known as a child, was an only child but loved playing with his many female cousins in Tennessee, chums from his neighborhood in Queens, and classmates from P.S. (public school) 138. From an early age Donnie was a curious, creative, independent, and generous soul, characteristics that would define him for the rest of his life. There was nothing he couldn’t fix (and did!), no problem he wouldn’t try to solve, no neighbor he wouldn’t help.

Don had a long and interesting career path that included carpet cleaner to the stars, fireman, BBQ restaurant owner, and traveling salesman (to name a few!). But for the last 50 years, Don sold group health and individual life insurance in Idaho, Arizona, and Utah, doing so from a home office that allowed him to always be close to home and family.

Don was a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, a decision he considered the most important of his life. Over the years he served in many positions with some of his favorites including stake missionary, high priest group leader, and teaching in any capacity. For the past 35 years, Don has been a member of the Highland 12th Ward where he has many dear friends. Don loved sharing his testimony with others, especially his family. On many Sunday evenings, often around the dinner table, Don would announce he had a message or thoughts to share with the family which he always concluded with his testimony of the gospel and his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Don is the father of twelve children—six girls and six boys. He is also the grandfather and great-grandfather of over fifty grandchildren, all of whom revere him. Don’s family was the center of his universe, the motivation for everything he did, and his source of great joy. He cherished Sunday dinners when the family would gather at “the Homestead,” and he always looked forward to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family reunions when family would gather from out of town and he could be surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

Don had a zest for life that included many passions and hobbies including politics, classic cars, music, art, animals, food, and travel. In the last years of his life he continued to relentlessly pursue his passions by traveling to see the big cats of the Masai Mara in Kenya, the Bald Eagles in Alaska, the Rat Fink classic car festival in Southern Utah, and the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, WI. Don was a patriot who loved his country and the cause of freedom.

Don is survived by his wife of 50 years Gayle Ann Ruzicka (nee Clark); Children Darryl, Darryn, Kellin (Brian), Jerald (Melanie), Kendra (Rich), Kristyn, Jordan (Veronica), and Kathryn; grandchildren Alisa, Andrew, Aubree (Nick), Blake, Briana, Bridgette, Calvin, Claire, Dustin, Gabe, Jacob, Jade, Jenifer, Jillian (Chad), Joshua, Justin (Daphne), Kenny (Madeline), Karissa, Kourtney, Madison (Garrett), Megan, Miles (Ashley), Nickolas, Rachel, Vivian, and Zackary (Iman); and 29 great-grandchildren.

Don is preceded in death by his mother Evelyn Sue Ruzicka; father Fred Ruzicka; son Joshua David; son Jeffrie Blaine (Kathy); daughter Kimberlee Rae (Carl); and daughter Kay’ce Jo (Troy). 

Funeral services for Don will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Highland 12th Ward building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 5853 W 10400 N, Highland, UT 84003. Interment will immediately follow the service at the Highland City Cemetery, 6200 W 11000 N, Highland, UT. There will be two public viewings at the Highland 12th Ward building, the first on December 12 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, and the second immediately preceding the funeral service on December 13 from 9:30 – 10:30 am.

A link will be provided on this obituary page Friday for a zoom broadcast of the funeral services for those not able to attend in person.