Peter Rugheimer

Peter MacGregor Rugheimer, 65, passed away on June 7, 2025. He was born on September 24, 1959, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, to Norman MacGregor "Mac" Rugheimer and Hallie Barbee Rugheimer.

Pete grew up in Montana and graduated from Bozeman High School in 1977. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Montana State University in 1990.

A brilliant and creative mind, Pete brought his curious and inquisitive thoughts into every aspect of his life. He was a skilled carpenter, mechanic, electrician, and metalworker. Known for saying, "If you can think of it, you can build it," Pete brought dreams to life with his hands and his heart.

In May 1990, he met the love of his life, Lynn Ann Griswold, and they were married in Bozeman in 1993. Their son, Levi Taylor Rugheimer, was born in 1997 and became the light of their lives.

Pete began his engineering career at Dynojet in Belgrade and later worked in the Oklahoma oil fields with Dowell Schlumberger. He went on to spend two decades at Luzenac America in Three Forks, where he led work in research and development, maintenance supervision, and robotics engineering. Throughout his time at Luzenac, Peter designed, built, and tinkered with a variety of machines, continuing to express his love for invention.

Pete's love for the outdoors was boundless. He found joy in fly fishing, camping, dirt biking, snowmobiling, rock climbing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, hiking, boating, and skiing-and he generously shared those passions with his family and friends. His profound appreciation for nature constantly touched those around him, from the smallest wildflowers to the biggest mountains. Always planning an adventure, Peter scoured the trails, mountains, and lakes of the western United States, Canada, and Mexico, often sharing these adventures with his close friends and Lynn.

Pete is preceded in death by his parents, Mac and Hallie Rugheimer, and his in-laws, Ross and Loretta Griswold.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lynn, his son, Levi (Nicole), and his cherished granddaughter, Scottie Reese Rugheimer. He is also survived by his sister Mary (Johan) Wictor, brother Paul (Stacey) Rugheimer, stepsister Sarah (Lucas) Rugheimer, and their families. Levi continues Peter's love for creation and building in his own metalworking practice in Bozeman, MT.

The Rugheimer family extends their heartfelt thanks to the professionals and volunteers from Ruby Valley Search and Rescue, Madison County Search & Rescue, the Sheriff's Office, and especially Pete's dirt biking friends, who were instrumental in bringing him home.

A celebration of life for members of the Ruby Valley will be held on July 13th at 11:00 AM at Jackson's Garden in Sheridan, Montana.

For those lifelong friends and family in the Gallatin Valley, we will celebrate Peter's life on August 30th at 11am. This celebration will be located at the family farm, North Hills Ranch, 1400 Story Mill Road, Bozeman, Montana.

All who knew Pete are welcome to attend and share stories in his honor.

In lieu of flowers, please celebrate Pete's life in the way he would have wanted-by taking a hike, riding a trail, floating a river, summiting a mountain, or simply spending time in nature. Let the adventures with Peter continue in our hearts as we meander the fields of the mountains and the trails of life.