Richard Ruland
Richard “Dick” Ruland, distinguished professor and scholar of American literature, and accomplished amateur jazz musician, died peacefully Monday, September 29, 2025 of complications from brain cancer.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Birgit, and his four children Joe, Mike (wife Mary), Paul and Susan (partner Dorothea), and grandchildren John, Jay, David and Iris. Through the years he shared with his family and friends insights on his life’s journey, along with love, devotion, humor and music. He enjoyed new novels, old movies and Cardinals baseball – and loved sharing in conversation about them.
Born in Detroit, Dick graduated from the University of Michigan and taught at Yale University in the early 1960s. He joined the faculty at Washington University in St. Louis in 1969, where he taught for more than 45 years. He relished sharing literature with undergraduate students, and was intrigued by their ideas and delighted by their enthusiasm. Instead of requiring formal papers, he asked them to keep journals of their reading experiences. He believed their ongoing interaction with writers and texts told him more about students’ level of critical engagement and growth than conventional assignments. One of his more popular courses, prompting excited and often surprising journal entries, was on banned books.
An internationally recognized critic and scholar (recipient of Bruern, Fulbright and Guggenheim fellowships), Dick published on all areas of American literature. He was particularly interested in the growing influence and reputation of American literature following World War II. His most recent book, From Puritanism to Postmodernism: A History of American Literature, written with British novelist and scholar Malcolm Bradbury, has been translated into several languages and has become a staple text and guide for students of American literature.
Throughout his life, Dick nurtured his love of improvisational jazz trumpet and flugelhorn, and particularly favored playing in small groups. Later in life he rediscovered the joys of Big Band music. Up until his passing, he was playing in three community bands, in addition to hosting fellow players for lively jam sessions at his home each week. He eagerly anticipated attending jazz camp in Wisconsin each summer. Among fellow musicians, he was known for his good humor and camaraderie, and his great delight in a well-played passage.
The family wishes to express deep appreciation to the staff at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, especially the departments of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology.
Services: A memorial service will be planned at a later date. Donations in his name may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association. Donate to Meet Hope Head On – Microsite/Landing
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Tony Sun says
October 16, 2025 at 11:23 amAfter taking Professor Ruland’s undergraduate course: American writers from 1820 to 1865, I decided to major in English literature. He introduced a lifelong love of learning and inspired my lasting interest in the humanities and music. I will miss our regular email exchanges about writers, poets, and jazz musicians. With all best wishes to his family and friends.
Susie says
October 9, 2025 at 7:34 pmI took an American literature class with Professor Ruland about 15 years ago that really did change my life. I ended up taking another class with him and staying in touch after graduation as I completed a PhD in American literature. I’m so grateful for his teaching and still think fondly of him.
Ralph Moore says
October 7, 2025 at 8:13 amDick was a very dignified and special talent in The Oasis Jazz Ensemble. I’ve known him since 2014. He always greeted me with a smile. He had a great smile. It was my pleasure to meet, converse, and play Bass with him.
William Gerdel says
October 6, 2025 at 7:47 pmOn behalf of all those in the OASIS JAZZ ENSEMBLE we wish to express our sincerest condolences for your loss. Dick was a very kind man a wonderful musician and a good friend to each and every one of us. He will be deeply missed.
Bob and Sue DeRosa says
October 6, 2025 at 7:47 amThere are many bright lights at the Tritone Jazz Fantasy Camp in Wisconsin each summer, but Dick was one of the brightest. The natural talent he brought to the camp, along with pure joy, kindness, and that wonderful sense of humor will be deeply missed. We treasure the time we got to spend with Dick and Birgit every year and we will hold them both in our hearts forever.