Paul Leo Ruhland, 57, of Douglas, passed away unexpectedly on July 28, 2025, in the Garrison Hospital.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Garrison, ND. Burial to follow at St. Nicholas Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 PM on Monday, August 4, 2025, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Garrison, ND with a Rosary beginning at 6:00 PM.

Paul was born on July 5, 1968, in Garrison to Herman and Linda (Metz) Ruhland. He was the third of eleven children.

Paul graduated from Max High School in 1986 and enlisted in the National Guard after graduation, he went to basic training at Fort Leonard MO. He was in the Guards for six years. In the fall of 1986 Paul went to college at Wahpeton where he obtained a degree in Automotive Technology.

Paul held many jobs after completing college, custom combing, cabinetry building, and even running the Douglas Bar (Paul's Bar) for a couple years. In the early 90's Paul started working at Nygard Construction in Garrison, which became his life-long career. Glen became a huge mentor to Paul. Paul's dream was to take over the business and he achieved that with the help of his brother Steve in 2020 when they bought the business.

On December 29th, 2000, Paul married Sara (Betz) Ruhland in Garrison, they made their home on the farm where Paul grew up in rural Douglas. In 2005, they welcomed their daughter Dalaney Hope and their son Dalen Jon was born in 2007. Paul was very proud of his kids and their accomplishments. For the last couple summers the kids got to work with Paul at the company and learned so much about the business.

Paul liked all things outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping were just a few. He was a very smart, quiet and humble man that was always there to lend a helping hand to all. And a real Jack of all trades kind of guy.

He was an active member of the Max Rural Fire Department Board, Spring Lake Township, Church Council and the Knights of Columbus.

Paul's death has left a big hole in the lives of many, he will be deeply missed.

Paul, the kids and I are so very proud of you, we are heartbroken, we miss you terribly and Love you so very much. I hope we can continue to make you proud, I Love You Hun.

Paul is survived by his wife, Sara; their kids, Dalaney and Dalen; his mom, Linda Ruhland; siblings, Mike (Sara), Theresa (Sal), Margaret (Steve), Jerome, Barb (Mike), Steve, Clarence (Brittany), Liz (Pat), Rita (James), Will (Jenn); parents in law, Allen and Melinda Betz; his brothers and sisters in law, Lisa (Steve), Nancy, Jamie (Amy) Derek (Becky) Kayla (Tom) Cody (Lacy); his many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and his many friends. Paul also had a third family who "adopted him" as one of their own, the Hauf family: Eydie Hauf, Jon (Laura), Darren (Heather) and Joel (Natalie) of Max and their kids who became Paul's nephews and niece.

Paul is preceded in death by his dad, Herman; grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, his brother in laws, Corey Betz and Kyle Leidholm and Emil (Bennie) Hauf.

The family would like to invite you to join them in the church basement for lunch. Anyone that would like to join the family at the house after the lunch to continue the celebration of Paul's life telling stories are more than welcome to come out.

To view a livestream of the service, go to www.facebook.com/garrisonthompsonfh or to the Thompson Funeral Home-Garrison, ND Facebook page.