John Ruettgers

John Ruettgers, 96, of Loose Creek, passed away on Monday, April 22, 2019, at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City. John was born on April 20, 1923, in Loose Creek. John was a graduate of Immaculate Conception School in Loose Creek. On February 23, 1952, he was united in marriage to Olivia (Backes) at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek. Olivia survives at their home in Loose Creek. John served in the United States Army during World War II as a Corporal in the First Army Tank Battalion Company B in the European Theatre. After the war, John became a skilled carpenter and painter. John was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, playing dominoes and following the St. Louis Cardinals but most of all, he cherished his time with his family. In addition to his wife of 67 years, John is survived by: two daughters, Elizabeth (Kevin) McCarthy of New Melle and Sandra Witte of Loose Creek; six grandchildren, Doug (Sheila) Kleffner, Curtis (Jamie) Kleffner, Adam (June) McCarthy, John (Stephanie) McCarthy, Cynthia Kleffner and Monica (Martin) Reed; 12 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by: two sons-in-law, Daniel Kleffner and David Witte; three brothers, William, Louis and Leo Ruettgers and five sisters; Jean Otte, Catherine Balkenbusch, Mary Crow, Deanna Wilson and Hilda Otto. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2019, at Morton Chapel in Linn. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 26, 2019, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek with Fr. Callistus Okoroji as the celebrant. Interment with Full Military Honors will follow in the Immaculate Conception Parish Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Immaculate Conception Renovation Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Missouri (897-2214) www.mortonchapel.com