David Ruenzel - murdered while hiking in California

David Ruenzel

David Ruenzel, age 60, died on November 25, 2014, near his home in Oakland, California.

He was hiking in the Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve which is a 214 acre regional park in the eastern San Francisco Bay area.

Shortly before 4:00 p.m., another hiker heard shots being fired. David had been shot three times at close range in an apparent robbery attempt. Paramedics were unable to revive him.  Tragically, he died at the scene of the crime. 

The suspects in this case are a black or mixed race male, in his late 20's or early 30's, with dreadlocks; and a black male who is 6 feet tall and about 240 pounds.  

If you have any information about this crime, please call the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department at (510) 690-6549 or their dispatch center at (510) 881-1833.

David attended Whitefish Bay High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and graduated in 1973. 

Friends describe David as a regular hiker and an upstanding citizen. Still others describe him as a likeable man who seriously cared about educational issues and

Father, place David on the Stairway to
Heaven.

about his students. 

He was a retired teacher.  He had taught at the University Lake School in Hartland and then had taught English and journalism at The Athenian School in Danville, California. 

David was also an award winning author and education journalist, contributing to "Teacher Magazine" frequently. 

He was currently working for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  Officials there describe David Ruenzel as a beloved educator, talented writer and a valued partner in their work. 

David's loved ones are devastated over his sudden and tragic death. He will be forever mourned.

David is survived by many loving friends and family members including his father, Fred Ruenzel; his brother, Rick Ruenzel; his sister, Liz Gustavson; his wife, Nancy Aldrich-Ruenzel; his daughter, Margaret Ruenzel; and his son, Stefan Ruenzel. 

Pray for justice for David. 

God save us from the thieves.  They are killing us, Father. 

Pray that David is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.