Ronald Francis Ruettgers

1939 - 2017

Ronald F. Ruettgers was born June 25, 1939, in Bakersfield, California to John F. and Nettie E. (Bridges) of Wasco, California, the second of two children. The family resided in Wasco before moving to Bakersfield in 1947. Ron graduated from St. Joseph's Elementary School, Garces Memorial High School, Bakersfield College, and Oregon State College, graduating with a Civil Engineering degree in June 1960. Ron met Susan G. Woods at Oregon State and they were later married in Portland, Oregon on June 3, 1961, just after her graduation. Ron and Susan had three sons: Kenneth (Sheryl), Steven (Patricia), & Paul (Hee Syun). Susan passed away in 1970. Ron married Judith A. Mittnacht in 1972 and had a daughter, Laura (Jessica).

After graduation from Oregon State College, Ron began working for the Kern County Department of Highway and Bridges in the Office of the Road Commissioner and later enlisted in the U.S. Army. He returned from active duty and resumed work at the Road Commissioner's Office. During that time, he was involved with the County Engineers Association of California (CEAC). He was twice president of the Central Valley division of CEAC. He was involved with legislative and transportation committees and traveled to testify at various state Senate and Assembly hearings. He was awarded a lifetime membership to CEAC in recognition of his service. After leaving the employment of the County of Kern, Ron briefly worked for three years at a private engineering consulting firm as the branch manager of their Bakersfield office. In 1980, Ron began his own engineering consulting firm specializing in highways and bridges, which eventually became Ruettgers & Schuler Civil Engineers. He had many clients, including municipal and county governments, and an especially long and productive relationship with The Greater Bakersfield Separation of Grade District, which involved the study, funding, and construction of separating roadways from railways.

Ron is preceded in death by his first wife, Susan, his sister, Janet Dietz and his grandson, Matthew Ruettgers. He is survived by his wife, Judith, his children Kenneth, Steven, Paul, and Laura, his eight grandchildren, Katherine, Susan, Alexandra, Christina, Micah, Dylan, Carter and Carston, and his great-grandchild, Isaac.

Ron will be most remembered for a deep love of family, work ethic, integrity, a deep passion for the game of golf, and enjoying the journey of life with family and friends. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Garces Memorial High School, 2800 Loma Linda Drive, Bakersfield, CA.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 10th from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m., with service Thursday, May 11th at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. For condolences, please visit: www.greenlawnm-c.com

Greenlawn Funeral Home Northeast