George J. Ruetz

RACINE - George J. Ruetz, 82, passed away Sunday, October 12, 2008, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Hospital. George was born in Racine December 5, 1925, son of the late George 'Babe' and Rose (nee: Jansa) Ruetz. George was always proud of his father being the founder of the Racine Horlick Legion Football Team and the NFL. He was a graduate of St. Catherine's High School, lettering in various sports, and was inducted into their Hall of Fame. During World War II, he served as a Co-pilot in the United States Army Air Corps, stationed in the Pacific Theatre. After returning from war, George continued his education at Loras College and Marquette University, where he played football. In 1947, he married Etta Rose (nee: Jacobson), who passed away at the young age of 37. They had five children, William, Richard, Ginni, James, and Rosi. He then married his current wife, Claudia Guttenberg and had been married for 35 years. He started his work career at Oster Manufacturing and founded All Tool Sales Incorporated in 1962 and All Fasteners Incorporated in 1978, where he was CEO and active until his time of death. He served on the board of Farmers and Merchant Bank, Racine, past President of Wisconsin Industrial Distributors Association, past Chairman of Town of Caledonia, past member of Society of Manufacturers and Engineers, Racine Country Club, and Meadowbrook Country Club. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, where he was involved in the Holy Name Society, Boy Scouts, and coached many kids including his own. He was a longtime member of St. Rita's Catholic Church and most recently, St. Paul the Apostle. George enjoyed the water and power boating and his many travels throughout the world. More than anything, he loved his time spent with his family, whether it was at work or play. He will be dearly missed. He is survived by his wife, Claudia; children, William Ruetz, Richard (Krys) Ruetz, Ginni Guendel, and Rosi Thornton, all of Racine, James (Karen) Ruetz of Oak Creek; grandchildren, Adam (Jenn) Ruetz, Nickolas (Jen) Ruetz, Stefanie (Andrew) Maus, Teddy Ruetz, Candice (Casey) Richardson, Chris (Becky) Guendel, Jason Ruetz, Jennifer Ruetz, Corbyn Thornton, Austin Thornton, and Breana Thornton; great-granddaugh- ter, Addy Rose Ruetz; step-children, Susan Guttenberg of Los Angeles, Calif., Eric (Patricia) Guttenberg, Gary (Susan) Guttenberg, all of Racine, Kurt (Karen) Guttenberg of Saratoga, Calif., Charles (Debbie) Guttenberg of Pewaukee; sister-in-law, Barbara Ruetz of Racine; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. In addition to his parents, he also was preceded in death by his brother, Howard Joseph Ruetz; special uncle and aunt, Lawrence and Florence Ruetz. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 16, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring Street, with Rev. William J. Dietzler officiating. Interment with full Military Honors will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Kinzie Avenue. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Wednesday, October 15, 2008, from 5 until 7 p.m. and at the church Thursday from 10 a.m. until time of Mass. Memorials to St. Catherine's High School have been suggested by the family. MARESH-MEREDITH AND ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME 803 Main Street 634-7888