Michael D. Ruetten, 81, Published Oct. 4, 2008
Michael D. Ruetten, 81 of Mauston, died on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008, at the Hess Memorial Hospital in Mauston. He was born on Sept. 14, 1927, in Richwood Township, Richland County, the son of Hubert and Minnie (Connors) Ruetten. He was married to Roselle (Hamann) Miller on April 30, 1966, in Holy Family Catholic Church, LaValle. This marriage was blessed with two children. Michael faithfully served his country in the U.S. Navy as a machinist mate and chief petty officer for 20 years. After returning home he owned and operated Ruetten's Bar on Hwy 58 in Summit Township. He belonged to the Tavern Host of Wisconsin for many years and was on the Board of Directors for the LaValle Telephone Co-op from 1987 to 1999 until he moved to Mauston and was a member of the American Legion Post 242 of LaValle.
He was a faithful member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Wonewoc and was on the maintenance committee when the church was redecorated. He enjoyed having a great garden, playing cards with his card club, especially euchre. When he was younger he would go snowmobiling and help teach snowmobile safety classes. As an avid fan he enjoyed watching the Packers, Brewers and Badger games. He did construction work, carpentry and operating equipment like backhoes.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Brian on Feb. 12, 2001; his brothers, Jack, Roy and Bill Ruetten and his sisters, Marie Owens and Kathleen Meyer.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Roselle of Mauston; his daughter, Doris (Steven) Corn of Huffman Estates, Ill.; his brothers, Tom Ruetten of West Bend, Bob (Joyce) Ruetten of LaCrosse and Dan (Rose) Ruetten of Mauston; his sisters, Lorraine Fischer of Mauston, Sally Cunningham of Mauston, Lois 'Peanut' (Robert) Osvatic of Mauston; sister's-in-law, Lorraine Ruetten of Frederick, Md., Lois Ruetten of Sun Prairie; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be conducted today, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008, at 10 a.m. in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Wonewoc, with Pastor Joseph Fricke officiating. Burial will follow in St. Paul's Cemetery, Wonewoc. Friends may call on Saturday at the church from 9 to 10 a.m.