Benefit for Thomas Ruschmeier

A community rallies around an injured New Germany youth

By Lindsay Scherer
Staff Intern

A benefit will be conducted for Thomas Ruschmeier Sunday, July 29.

Fourteen-year-old Ruschmeier was injured in an ATV accident in April 2007, five miles southwest of Lester Prairie.

He was driving down an embankment too fast when he panicked and slammed on the brakes.

Ruschmeier was thrown from the ATV. The ATV then landed on him, crushing his hip.

It will take several surgeries to correct the damage. Ruschmeier underwent his second surgery July 13.

This surgery was intended to repair his femur bone with bone from another part of his leg.

Now that this surgery is completed, Ruschmeier will be on crutches for approximately one year. Then Ruschmeier will go through intense physical therapy next summer to restrengthen his leg.

Ruschmeier’s prognosis is good, but he will more than likely face complications with this injury for the rest of his life.

Thomas is the son of Dan and Cathy Ruschmeier of New Germany. Dan has been a member of the New Germany Fire Department for 12 years and currently holds the position of training officer captain. Cathy is employed at FSI in Chaska.

Dan and Cathy have two other children in addition to Thomas – Sarah, 12; and Hunter, 2.

Despite the circumstances that he finds himself in, Thomas has maintained a positive attitude, according to Cathy.

The community came up with the idea to have a benefit for Thomas to help the Ruschmeier family cover the cost of his recovery process.

The benefit will include an all-you-can-eat hog roast meal and silent auction. It will take place at New Germany Hall from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Sunday, July 29.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. Children 5 years of age and younger are free.

Those who would like to make a donation or get advanced tickets for $8, may contact Sandy Ruschmeier-Herrmann at (320) 328-5763, Sandy Miller at (612) 616-4320, Roxanne Wendlandt at (320) 328-4448, or Ria Roland at (612) 590-5059.