Earl Leroy Unruh passed away peacefully and surrounded by his sons in the early afternoon of Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at the age of 82 in Reno, Nevada.
He will be remembered by his two sons, Tom and Rob, as well as four grandchildren (Trent, Alyssa, Colin, and Chloe) and great-grandson (Maverick).
Earl was preceded in death by his loving wife, Karen Unruh, who passed away on June 19, 1997.
Known fondly by many Douglas High School students and teachers as Mr. Unruh and “Figgie”. Earl earned his living as a high school teacher during the academic year and as a keno writer during the summers at Harvey’s Casino. Always a large personality, we are sure that many of his former students and co-workers have stories of their own to share, but here is Earl’s:
Earl was born in Elgin, Illinois on July 19, 1942, to Earl Sr. and Edith Unruh. He graduated from Minot State Teachers College in 1963. It was in North Dakota that Earl met his future wife and love of his life, Karen Erickson. The two of them had their first child, Thomas, in 1966 before heading west to Hawthorne, Nevada to be closer to family and to pursue Earl’s teaching career.
A year passed, and the couple happened to be driving through Carson Valley when Earl spontaneously decided to stop into the Douglas School District Office and see if there was a need for a high school math teacher. Luckily there was and he was hired by the then superintendent Gene Scarcelli.
Like many others, Earl was fond of the small-town charm, rural character, and majestic views that was Carson Valley in the 1970’s. He eventually purchased one of the first homes in the Gardnerville Ranchos. In 1974, the couple’s second son, Robert, was born in Carson City and the now family-of-four spent many years together.
He continued his education and got a master’s degree in School Administration. His time at Douglas High School totaled 28 years before he retired in 1997. During his time at DHS, he thoughtfully recalled his time as a teacher for “night school”. He also was part of the SAP program (Student Assistance Program). Earl enjoyed his sobriety from 1988 until his death. He mentored others who were struggling with addiction, which brought him peace and purpose. After retiring, he enjoyed traveling throughout Europe and Iceland. A history buff, he read countless books and acquired an extensive personal library before his passing.
He will be greatly missed by his family and will be laid to rest in the Eastside Memorial Park