Harry M. Ruettgers, 89, Loose Creek, passed away July 1, 2023.
He was born Jan. 13, 1934, to the late Louis and Sybilla (Puetz) Ruettgers.
He attended the Immaculate Conception School through 10th grade and later received his GED.
Harry was united in marriage to Anna Marie Werner June 2, 1956, in St. Thomas. They were married for 61 years before Anna Marie passed away June 22, 2017.
As a teenager, Harry worked alongside his dad at Lock’s Feed Mill. In 1956, he was drafted into the U. S. Army and served in Korea from July 1956 to June 1958. Upon his discharge, he returned to work at Lock’s Feed Mill and later purchased his own tractor and trailer and hauled feed for Muenks Feed Mill and many farmers around the area.
Harry retired from driving in 1981 to build a house on the farm. He held various jobs afterward, including working for Hometown Building Center, driving a school bus, cleaning state office buildings and working as the janitor for the Immaculate Conception School. Harry was a hard worker and in his younger years, he looked forward to getting back to work Monday mornings. His children joked that it was because he was ready to get away from them.
Harry was a life-long member of the Immaculate Conception Parish. He enjoyed good food, farming, playing cards and dancing.
He was preceded in death by spouse of 61 years, Anna Marie; parents, Louis and Sybilla; son, Ray; sister, Mae Boyd; brothers-in-law, Norman Boyd, Sr., Robert Werner and Pete Radmacher; nephew, Nolan Schroeder; and niece Joyce Norberg.
Harry is survived by children, Gene Ruettgers and friend Mel, Paul Ruettgers and wife Dottie, Dave Ruettgers and wife Ann, Jerry Ruettgers and wife Lisa, Ed Ruettgers and wife Tammy, Mary Luebbert and husband Dave, Rose Kowieski and husband Chuck and Jim Ruettgers and wife Julie; sister, Grace Radmacher; in-laws, Don and Darlene Werner, Eldora Werner and husband Frank Hurst and Doris and Charles Schroeder; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Visitation for Harry and Ray will be held from 9 to 11 a.m., Thursday, July 6, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Immaculate Conception Church in Loose Creek with Rev. Anthony Rinaldo officiating. Interment will be held in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery.
Memorial contributions suggested to the Immaculate Conception School or Cemetery Fund.
Arrangements entrusted to Morton Chapel in Linn.
