Theodore V. (Ted) Rue

His Story

Theodore Vernon “Ted” Rue was a World War I Army veteran, longtime Stoughton resident, church leader, and member of American Legion Post 59 who served as Post Commander for the 1933–34 term.

Born August 13, 1898, in Stoughton, Wisconsin, Rue was the son of Thomas and Gina Rue. His early life even produced an unusual piece of Stoughton history: a 1908 newspaper account reported that the young Theodore, then about ten years old, was among three boys involved in a break-in at the Grahn-Jones store. The boys took a small amount of change and apparently returned later looking for candy. It is a colorful childhood episode in the life of a man who would later become a respected veteran and community leader.

Rue served in the U.S. Army during World War I. His obituary specifically notes his Army service, and later records consistently identify him as a World War veteran.

Following the war, he returned to Stoughton and established his life in the community. In 1920, he purchased a newly constructed bungalow on South Fourth Street. That same year, he married Ida Dewey in DeKalb, Illinois.

Rue eventually became a longtime employee of the Highway Trailer Company, where he worked for many years.

Rue was active in Otis Sampson Post 59 well before becoming Commander. Records from 1932 show him serving as the Post's Chaplain during Obert J. Klefstad's administration.

In September 1933, Rue was elected Commander of Post 59, succeeding Klefstad. His fellow officers included Ted Thorson and Ole Tregadel as Vice Commanders, Glenn Blakely as Adjutant, Edor J. Everson as Finance Officer, Thomas J. Rippchen as Service Officer, Rev. M. L. Aldridge as Chaplain, Ole Cleven as Sergeant-at-Arms, and Ray Myrick as Athletic Officer.

The newly elected officers were scheduled to travel to Sun Prairie for installation during a sectional American Legion meeting.

Rue's service as Commander placed him among the early generation of World War I veterans who helped establish Post 59 as a lasting part of the Stoughton community.

Service remained an important part of Rue's life beyond the American Legion.

He was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church and its Brotherhood organization. In 1937, he was elected president of the Brotherhood, an organization in which he remained active for many years.

Ted and Ida Rue made their home in Stoughton throughout their married life.

Theodore V. Rue died in 1959 at the age of 60 following a brief illness. Funeral services were held at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, with burial at Riverside Cemetery in Stoughton.

From a mischievous Stoughton boy whose name appeared in the newspaper in 1908 to a World War I veteran, Post 59 Commander, church leader, husband, and longtime local worker, Theodore V. Rue's life was closely tied to the Stoughton community he called home.