Ruhl A. Barker, 70, of Monticello, Iowa, passed away on April 18, 2026, surrounded by family at UIHC.  His kindness, generosity, and lifelong passion for agriculture touched many lives and will not soon be forgotten.

A celebration of life with a lunch will be held Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Eagles Club, Monticello, IA. A private family burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery.

Ruhl was born May 22, 1955, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Bernard and Myrna (Pelham) Barker. He was the second youngest of five children and was known early on for being quite the prankster, a quality that stayed with him throughout his life. In 1965, his family moved to Monticello, where he would build the roots of a life he loved. He graduated with the Monticello High School Class of 1974 and continued his education at Kirkwood Community College.

On September 20, 1986, Ruhl married his high school sweetheart, Cheryl Jacobs, at St. John's Lutheran Church. Together they raised two children, Lauren and Jordan, and built a life centered around family, faith, hard work, and their farm, R&C Angus. Summers were often spent on the road working at farm shows or showing Angus cattle across the country, making memories and forming friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Ruhl had a remarkable work ethic and genuine love for people. He began working for the family business, Franklin Industries, while still in high school. Over 37 years, he grew into being Territory Manager, traveling throughout the United States and Canada, later becoming co-owner. He treasured the relationships he built through his work and stayed in touch with many colleagues long after retirement.  In 2012, he joined Applegate, where he continued doing what he enjoyed most—traveling, selling, and connecting with people. In 2021, he proudly went into business for himself.

One of Ruhl's proudest accomplishments was patenting his own automatic waterer valve, which he fittingly named the Monticello Valve, after the town he loved so much.

Ruhl never met a stranger. He always had a story to tell, a joke to share, or a way of making an ordinary day more fun. One of his favorite traditions was working in the Franklin Booth at the Iowa State Fair, where he made time to visit with customers, fellow vendors, and friends who became part of the rhythm of each passing year.

Outside of work, Ruhl loved auto racing and could often be found on Sundays watching NASCAR with friends while cheering on Kyle Larson. He also loved ultralight airplanes and made the annual trip to Oshkosh with a close circle of friends. In the spring, he looked forward to hunting morel mushrooms, and in the fall, he could often be found in his deer stand.

Wherever Ruhl went, he brought something extra with him—often a good Bloody Mary, usually a pocket full of Life Savers to hand out, and always a warm presence that made people feel welcome. More than anything, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandson, Rowdy, and his grand-pup, Nova.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl; his children, Lauren (Kyle) Nerad of New Liberty, Iowa, and Jordan (Meagan) Barker of Madison, Wisconsin; his grandson, Rowdy Nerad; his siblings, Ginger (Dave) Eilers, Rick Barker, and Darla (Phil) Parker; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bernie Barker.

Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello has taken Ruhl and his family into their care.  Please use the Guestbook to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences.