Joe Earl Ruiz, U.S. Navy WWII and Korean War Veteran, age 97, passed away January 5, 2023. Beloved husband for 60 years of the late Esther Mary Ruiz (née Huraracha); devoted father of Joseph Jr. (Kimberly), Timothy, and Ronald (Dena); loving grandfather of Joshua (Steph), Jesse (Jodie), Jacob (Sarah), Natalie (Jeremy), Rachel, and Christina (Ethan); proud great-grandfather of Gavin, Phoebe, Sage, Collin, Julia, J.J., Alayna, Teagan, Breanden, Scarlet, Elias, and Stella; dear brother of Frank (late Margaret), Albert (late Norma), Tita (Raul), the late Natalie, Pilar (late Myrtle), Toya (late Joseph), Augustine (late Pauline), and Julian; dear brother-in-law of Joseph, Sabino, the late Jessie, Lupe, and Mary; survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Joe was a longtime member of the American Legion Post 1238. Visitation Thursday from 3 - 8 p.m. Funeral Friday, 10:45 a.m., from Thornridge Funeral Home (Janusz Family Funeral Service), 15801 S. Cottage Grove Ave., four blocks North of 162nd St. (Rte. 6), Dolton / South Holland, to Christ Our Savior Church mass at 11:30 a.m. Interment St. Benedict Cemetery.