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John Ruettiger Obituary
Age 38. At rest peacefully Saturday, July 14, 2007 at the Joliet
Area Community Hospice Home, with his loving family by his side. Born in Joliet on December 30, 1968 to Bob and Sue (Atchley) Ruettiger, he was a lifelong area resident.
Graduate of St. Patrick Grade School, Providence High School and attended Joliet Junior College. John spent the last 18 years with the Will County Sheriff's Department, serving the department as a Patrolman, Detective, Hostage Negotiator and Arson Investigator. He was the recipient of numerous meritorious commendations. An active volunteer for the Crisis Line. Member of the Fraternal Order of Police. He was an avid fisherman. John took great pride in mentoring young children throughout the Will County Area.
Surviving are his loving wife of 18 years, Lynn (Wysock) Ruettiger of Manhattan; two children, Andrew and Amber Ruettiger; his parents; two sisters, Renee (Vince) Gambino of Shorewood and Laura (Jake) Jakovich of Shorewood; son-in-law of Edward and Frances (House) Wysock of Braidwood; brother-in-law of Brett Wysock of Braidwood and Kurt (Jenny) Wysock of Shorewood; also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, fellow deputies and numerous dear friends.
The Ruettiger Family would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the dear friends, family, caregivers and staff of Joliet Area Community Hospice, who have extended their prayers, love and special gifts during this difficult time.
Celebration of John's life will be held on Friday, July 20, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. from the funeral home to St. Patrick Catholic Church, Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m., Fr. Vytas Memenas, Will County Sheriff Chaplain, celebrant. Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park II. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to benefit his children's education would be appreciated. Visitation Thursday 2-9 p.m. at:
FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME
3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet
For information: (815) 741-5500
www.fredcdames.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Ruettiger
Robin Van Kanegan (Kubinski)
August 12, 2007
I just today heard that John had passed away. My deepest sympathies to his entire family. I went to grade school with John and will always have amazing grade school memories! I ran into John about about 1992 - all he talked about was his wife and kids! God's blessings....
Denise (Smetana) Friant
August 6, 2007
My prayers are with the Ruettiger family at this time of sadness and loss.
Kristin Czajka Cook
July 26, 2007
Dear Ruettiger Family,
It was so hard for me to believe when I was told of John's cancer. I have many memories of John just from the neighborhood and from school. But one that comes to mind is when he brought Lynn to the house down May street where I was babysitting and telling us that this was the girl he was going to marry. How lucky was Lynn. I would occasionaly run into Lynn at Marshall Fields and the last time I ran into John was about 5 years ago in Manhattan and we excahnged hugs and he showed me pictures of the kids. Turns out Lynn was a very lucky girl. For she had more in 18 years than some people have there whole lives. May your family find comfort with your memories and knowing there is no more suffering. May God be with you always
Marge Mostyn
July 25, 2007
To
John's family,
I met John in 1983 when he was a freshman in high school and in my
class. He was a spirited young man always smiling and trying to
convince me that homework wasn't really necessary. I can no longer
remember his academic ability in math, but I will never forget his
smile. His presence will truly be missed, as he seemed to enjoy being
with people and making them laugh.
My sincere sympathy and prayers are with all of you,
Marge Mostyn
Carol Ryan
July 24, 2007
Dear Bob, Sue, Laura and family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of John's death. John was on the prayer chain at our church (Manhattan United Methodist Church), however, I had not made the connection until I went to the salon today. You all will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
CAROLYN ROETTGER
July 23, 2007
Dear Mrs.Ruettiger,I didn't know your husband or your family,but my daughter and her family live not too far from yours.She knew of your husbands health problems through some friends.She shared this with me as my husband passed a year and a half ago from the same disease.I didn't know him but I knew how devestating it was for him and all of you.I PRAYED FOR HIM MANY NIGHTS.Also for you and your family.My children also lost a wonderful father.I will still pray for you all and may our blessed lord hold your husband in his arms,for now he is well and he waits until you all are together again.Jesus promised this to us,never forget and never lose your faith.I write this to let you know you have our prayers and sympathy.And our last name is....ROETTGER. GOD BLESS YOU ALL,MRS.CAROLYN ROETTGER
Mark Oldain
July 22, 2007
Lynn, and family, Bob and sue I found this searching for your adress!! I am Johnnie's cousin Mark Oldani. I'd like yout to know what admiration I have for john and his family thankyou for letting me be a part of it!!
Daniel Patriquin
July 20, 2007
The Ruettiger Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
July 19, 2007
Lynn, Andrew & Amber
Our hearts ache for your loss. May you find comfort and peace in the thought of the joy knowing what John has brought all of you.
Stephanie & Jillian
Molly Cintron (Coan)
July 19, 2007
Lynn and Family,
You and and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! I knew John from Providence HS and though we haven't spoken in years, he left some fond memories for everyone and made an impact on a lot of lives. May the Lord be with you and your family.
"He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds" Psalms 147:3
Dowdell Family
July 19, 2007
Dear Mrs. Ruettiger, Amber, and Andrew, my deepest condolences goes out to your family. May God bless your family.
Colleen (Maher) Brannigan
July 19, 2007
My deepest condolences go out to the Ruettiger family. John was such a great guy. I knew him at Providence and he always had a smile on his face. He was a lot of fun and truly a good person. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May you find peace knowing that he is in a better place and no longer suffering.
Colleen Maher
Rosemary Falbo
July 19, 2007
Lynn,
May your memories of John help you
and your family through these sad
times. Knowing that John is smiling down on all his family and
friends, I hope can bring you peace. My prayers are with you all.
Tammie Last
July 19, 2007
Lynn,
Our deepest sympathies to you, Andrew and Amber at this difficult time in your lives. It was an honor to have known John and he will truly be missed by all who knew him. May the memories of your life together with John bring you comfort, peace and strength.
We pray for your comfort and healing,
Bill, Tammie and Noah Last (Fort Atkinson, WI)
Shawn Schmidt(Vecelas)
July 19, 2007
I am so sorry to hear about john. I went to high school with him. He was always such a funny person with a big smile. My prayers and thoughts are with your family. Rest in peace.
Michelle (Hayes) McDowell
July 19, 2007
Lynn,
I haven't seen you since high school, but I've thought of you often. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that I am thinking of you and sending prayers to wrap around your broken heart to keep it safe until you are strong again.
Jori Ryan-Maraffi
July 19, 2007
Dear Lynn & Family- I want to offer my deepest sympathies regarding the loss of John. I knew John from Jr. High and also Providence HS. He was always such an outgoing and funny guy-One who everyone adored. He will be missed deeply. I know in my heart that John is at peace and in a wonderful place with the Lord. May all the wonderful memories of him fill your hearts with joy.
May God Bless you and your family-Jori Ryan-Maraffi
Sandy & Dan Lauer
July 19, 2007
Our deepest condolences to all of you and may God bless you and give you strength in the days ahead. John's love for his family and the wonderful memories he left you and so many others will always remain. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers as your hearts try to heal.
Eileen Leddin
July 19, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ronda Nelson
July 19, 2007
I new John from working at the Empress. He always had a smile and always had a funny story to tell. He was so full of knowledge and always tried to help. John had a heart of GOLD and I will truly miss him. My prayers are with you and the family.
July 18, 2007
God Bless John and all his family and friends.
Faith means never having to say goodbye forever.
Lynn
mary jo Wallace
July 18, 2007
Dear Lynn, I wanted to tell you what a honor it is to know you and John. John's love for you shinned from your first date on. He knew you were the one! What a wonderful man, such a loving husband and devoted loving father. Lynn your marriage set a great example for all! Your devotion to John during health challenges taught people around you what marriage is all about. Amber and Andrew will alway have a deep unerstanding of what families love really means. Some families are not as fortunate. Be proud of your life - you have so much good to offer!
With a heavy heart I pray to our loving God to hold you and your entire family in his arms in this time of grief.
All my Love Mary Jo Wallace
Andy & Andrea Carey
July 18, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Rachel Martinez-Jones
July 18, 2007
I am so sorry to hear about your lost.I have work with John @ the Empress alway had a laughter. He always look out for others. He will be very much miss!My prayer are with you all.
Kylie and Keeghan Wysock
July 18, 2007
Everyone in life has a purpose to fufill. And i believe Uncle John's last days taught everyone to cherish life and live it to the fullest. For the many months he had been diagnosed with cancer, he made it through and faught. His story touches many people and everyone can look up to him for that. May he rest in peace with God in heaven.
we love you Aunt Lynn, Andrew and Amber<3
Darnell Fields
July 18, 2007
On behave of the Empress Casino Swing Shift and myself we offer you our sympathy in your lost. Although I did not know John personally I only heard great things about him. If there is anything we can do please let us know. Thank you and God Bless you and your family.
Detective Jeff Cavender
July 18, 2007
Please know that the thoughts and prayers of my family go out to all of John's family, as well as the Will County Sheriff's Department. I attended a few police classes with John at Northwestern, he was a great guy, I know he will be sorely missed. May God Bless John and his family.
alicyn foster (heckman)
July 18, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tracy Sullivan
July 18, 2007
So very sorry for your loss. I knew John back in high school at Providence. He was always such a character, but he also had character. May he rest in peace.
Your family will remain in my prayers.
SANDY BUMBER
July 18, 2007
Lynn,Andrew and Amber, I know you thru Jami and Scott,and I have to say that when I saw your family together.. the love and caring for one another showed, and that was before John's illness. At the benefit, the love, respect and caring between the brotherhood of deputies was over whelming.. John certainly was "the richest man in town". Plus he had a great smile. I am very impressed with your hero, John and his wonderful family. God bless you and John and may all your wonderful memories of him last you til you meet again. You are all in my prayers, Sandy Bumber
Wayne RATajack
July 18, 2007
Lyn take comfort in the fact that John will always be with u in your your heart.If you want to see him just close your eyes.He will visit you in your deams where he will always look young @ healthy.
I know this to be true from my own losses.I will truly miss him and we his brothers n sisters at work will always be here for you.
Art, Dianna, Mike & Lindsay Smoljan
July 18, 2007
Dear Lynn, Amber and Andrew--
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We'll always remember John for his great spirit, passion and love for his family.
Corey Burket
July 17, 2007
Lynn and family, I worked with john at the Empress before coming to the Sheriff's Dept. He was a great influence to me making my decision. He was the best person in the world and will be greatly missed. Just know that he is in a better place and "holding" the door open until we can see him again.... when he is not in pain. I will miss him alot.
laurie Gasca
July 17, 2007
Lynn and family,
our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. It is such a loss to all of us, he was a very special friend and knew how to make us all laugh. We have some special fond memories of him during wrestling season as the boys grew up together. I know John is looking down on all of us now and he will be a guardian angel to us all. We will miss him dearly until we see him again. Call if you need anything.
Love, Bob, Laurie, Sam, Bob Jr., Joe and Ed Gasca
Gene Akers
July 17, 2007
Lynn,
You have our Deepest sympathy. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. John was a GREAT guy and will be deeply missed by everyone that knew him.
Michelle Sierra (Christopherson)
July 17, 2007
My prayers and thoughts are with your family as they go through this painful time. Rest assured that they no longer need to see you suffer daily and you can rest in peace. God and peace be with your family.
Ryan and Sheila Swearengen
July 17, 2007
Our Deepest sympothy to all the family. We are very sorry about your loss.
mark cindy & linnae rodriguez
July 17, 2007
Lynn-So sorry for your loss of a great guy-We are praying for you and the kids.
Terry Paggi
July 17, 2007
Rudy,
When you came to the Detective Division at the Sheriff's Department I knew from the start you would be an asset. You made us laugh in tense situations. Rest easy now in heaven.
The Schaeffer's
July 17, 2007
We are realy going to miss you Rudy. We know you are in Heaven with our other brothers watching over everyone here at the Sheriff's Department. Til we met again my friend.
Swearengens
July 17, 2007
We are so going to miss you John-- you have been a great friend --we know you are healthy up in heaven and enjoying the good fishing--we will always be here for Lynn, Andrew & Amber, they will be okay, especially with you as their guardian angel--We Love you--Scott, Jami,Jayci,Justin & Jared (known to you as the #24 fan and artist)
Sue Bebar
July 17, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very sad time.
Bill/Theresa White
July 17, 2007
Dear Bob, Sue and Family
We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved son, husband and Dad.
Judy kept us informed of his illness. I am sure he is in God's arms now and free of pain. So sorry we are so far away and cannot be there in person.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love Theresa and Moe
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