University mourns the loss of plant sciences professor Bridget Ruemmele

Oct. 16, 2026

The University mourns the loss of Bridget Ruemmele, professor of plant sciences and entomology, who passed away on Oct. 4. She was an esteemed member of URI’s College of the Environment and Life Sciences.

Bridget Ruemmele, professor of plant sciences and entomology. passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 4. A celebration of life is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 5 to 7 p.m., in Avedisian Hall.

Bridget was born in Hudson, Wisconsin to James and Colette Ruemmele and grew up on her family’s dairy farm. She enjoyed extracurricular activities of speech and debate teams as well as editing the school newspaper and graduating Hudson High School as valedictorian. Bridget graduated with a horticulture degree at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and furthered her education at the University of Minnesota, graduating with a master’s degree and Ph.D. in agronomy. Bridget did her post-doctorate work at Texas A&M and was welcomed to the University of Rhode Island as a turf grass professor and extension research expert. She supported numerous future and current golf course and park superintendents with her mentoring and advice.

Bridget enjoyed attending numerous team sports at URI and closely followed her students’ extracurricular events. She took pride in her alma mater UW, serving several terms on the University Foundation Board. She won numerous awards in 4H as an accomplished baker and was an avid attendee at the Minnesota State Fair.

She will be missed by her siblings Rochelle, Richard, Larry, Maureen, and Will, and their children and grandchildren, as a special aunt to many. 

Bridget was preceded in death by her parents, James and Colette, and will also be missed by many cousins as well as current and former students and professional associates. 

URI’s College of the Environment and Life Sciences has published a reflection on Professor Ruemmele’s impact and work at the University. Donations in her memory may also be made via the URI Foundation.

A celebration of her life is planned on campus at URI, open to all, on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. in URI’s Avedisian Hall, room 170. Please RSVP here. 

For more information on additional services or to share a memory, please also visit O’Connell Family Funeral Homes of Hudson, Wisconsin.