Paul E. Rufener

Paul E. Rufener, 86, of Dover, passed away surrounded by his loving family on April 10, 2024, in Dover, Ohio. 

Born on June 26, 1937, in Hannibal, Ohio, he was the son of the late Edwin and Alma (Winkler) Rufener.  

He  married Maxine L. Murphy who sadly preceded him in death on April 23, 2004 following 47 years of marriage.  He was also preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Irene and Jim Parker and his brother-in-law, Jay Flaherty.  

Paul leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.  Paul dedicated an impressive 40 years of his life to Flex Industry in Midvale, where his skills as a machinist shone brightly. 

Outside of work, Paul's true joy came from woodworking. Renowned for his talent in creating intricate clocks, he poured his heart into each piece, bringing smiles to the faces of his family and friends. His love for woodworking was only surpassed by his love for his family, especially his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom he adored spending time with.  He was a member of NewPointe Community Church and the Dover Jaycees.  

In addition to leaving behind a wealth of memories and beautifully crafted creations, Paul is survived by his loving family which includes his children;  Randy (Mischelle) Rufener of Bolivar, Ken (Lynn) Rufener of Illinois, and Patti (Art) Devaul of Dover; his grandchildren, Ryan, Sean, AJ, Jay, Nicole, Katie, Cory, Tiffany, and Jayme; numerous great-grandchildren with one on the way; his brother, Carl (Sandie) Rufener of Dover, his sisters, Doris Flaherty of Massillon, and Louise (John) Schott of Navarre; along with several very close friends  and his  neighbors from the North Star Community.  

A celebration of Paul's life will take place at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.  with Pastor David Wing officiating.  Friends can call at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:30- 12:00 p.m..  Burial will follow at Ridgecrest Memory Gardens in Dover.  Following the service of committal, a reception will take place at the Club House, 306 North Star Drive, Dover, Ohio 44622. To sign an online guestbook for Paul, visit the obituary link on the funeral home's website.  

Instead of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Akron Children’s Foundation  https://give.akronchildrens.org/give/546472/#!/donation/checkout