Harry Ruettgers

Harry M. Ruettgers, 89, Loose Creek, passed away July 1, 2023.

Harry was born January 13, 1934, to the late Louis and Sybilla (Puetz) Ruettgers.  He attended the Immaculate Conception School through 10^th grade and later received his GED. 

Harry married Anna Marie Werner on June 2, 1956, in St. Thomas, MO.  To this union nine children were born.  They were married for 61 years before Anna Marie passed away on June 22, 2017.

As a teenager, Harry worked alongside his dad at Lock’s Feed Mill.  In 1956, he was drafted into the 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 he purchased his own tractor and trailer and hauled feed for Muenks Feed Mill and many farmers around the area.  In 1981, Harry retired from driving 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 on 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. 

Harry is survived by eight 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.

Along with his parents and wife, Harry was preceded in death by a son, Ray Ruettgers; a sister, Mae Boyd; brothers-in-law, Norman Boyd, Sr., Robert Werner and Pete Radmacher; a nephew, Nolan Schroeder and a niece Joyce Norberg.

Visitation for Harry and Ray will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Loose Creek with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Anthony Rinaldo as the Celebrant.  Interment will be held in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Immaculate Conception School or Cemetery Fund.

Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Missouri (897-2214)

www.mortonchapel.com