Jerry J. McNutt

Jerry J. McNutt passed from this life to eternity on April 1, 2026.

He was born January 30, 1931 to Riely and Rennie (Dexter) McNutt in Waupaca, Wisconsin. Jerry had four sisters (Hallie Beatrice, Lucene Belle, Virginia Blanche and Dora Viri) and three brothers (Eri R., Pfc Niles Oren, and Harold Ray) that all preceded him in death. Jerry married the love of his life, Amber A. Ruehmling, daughter of Albert and Anna (Wolf) Ruehmling of Marion, Wisconsin, on June 18, 1952, whom he adored for 74 years until she passed on November 27, 2025.

Jerry graduated from Clintonville High School in 1949. He enlisted in the U.S. National Guard of Wisconsin on August 24, 1949. Jerry was discharged and drafted in the U.S. Army on December 4, 1951, and shipped to Okinawa. Jerry separated from active military service on November 28, 1953.

They returned to Marion, Wisconsin and Jerry bought the Skelly service station from his father-in-law, Albert. They later sold that business, moved to the Milwaukee area, where Jerry continued his success in the automotive service industry and many other lucrative business ventures always with his wife, Amber, actively involved and at his side.

In the 1970's they relocated to Tavares, Florida, where they built a beautiful home on Lake Eustis and lived for many years. They had many shared interests in life besides their various businesses and particularly loved to motor-home and pilot their own planes to travel and visit friends and relatives across the states. Their greatest joy was to share their home with those ministering the gospel.

Jerry responded to the call of God to follow Jesus and expressed his desire to know the Lord better for himself. He always appreciated those dedicated to his care and to his dear wife and encouraged them both physically, emotionally, and spiritually during life and to the end of days. His favorite hymn which was the expression of his heart included the words "Long as my life shall last, Teach me Thy way! Wher-e'er my lot be cast, Teach me Thy way! Until the race is run, Until the journey's done, Until the crown is won, Teach me Thy way!" Now Jerry's race is run and he and his keen sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him. His dear brother-in-law, Lee Ruehmling (Donna), his dear sister-in-law, Hershey Ruehmling all of Wisconsin, and many special nieces and nephews, extended family, and a host of friends mourn his passing.

The family is very grateful for the kind and compassionate care and help of the staff and others at Alto/Osprey Senior Living of Tavares, Florida, where they lived for the past several years and for the palliative care team of Cornerstone Hospice who helped with their care at the Alto facility.

Jerry will be buried with military honors and Amber will be laid to rest with him at the National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. After the committal service, a gathering to visit and have lunch will be hosted by the family at Sonny's Restaurant in Bushnell.