Bill Rueth Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Billy Joe Rueth was born on July 8, 1949, in Fort Atkinson, WI, the son of Eugene and Ethel (Allin) Rueth. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1968 and married Kathleen Ann Abendroth on June 21, 1969, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jefferson. The couple enjoyed a day-and-a-half honeymoon, before Bill was drafted on June 23, 1969. He served in the US Army from 1969 – 1971, stationed mostly at Fort Hood in Killeen, TX. After his honorable discharge, Bill and Kathy moved back to Jefferson where he was employed at Nestle-Purina for 30 years and retired at age 52. Bill was a quiet man who kept to himself but had a playful humor. His grandchildren appreciated his "dad jokes" deeply. An avid outdoorsman, many days were spent fishing bodies of water and hunting the area fields and woods. Above all else, time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren is what pleased Bill most. He will be dearly missed.
He is survived by: his wife of 56 years Kathy Rueth of Johnson Creek; sons Jason Rueth of Polson, MT and Joseph (Tami) Rueth of Ogema; grandchildren Christopher (Amanda), Jazlynn, Cayle (Aly), and Sebastion; 3 great-grandchildren Brinley, Bennett, and Elyac; and his 6 siblings Sheary (Jim), Jane, John (Donna), Mark (Sherri), Mary (Jim), and Paul. Bill is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of life will be held at 12:00PM on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Olsen-Gibson Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10:00AM until the time of service. Military Honors will follow the service also at the funeral home.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bill Rueth, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Irene Moe
July 15, 2025
Loved catching up with Bill at class reunions and he always had stories to share about my dad who he worked with and supported the Military like Bill, I know he will be missed. Irene
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
221 S. Center Avenue, Jefferson, WI 53549
Make a Donation
in Bill Rueth's name
People and places connected with Bill
Recent Obituaries
How to support Bill's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Bill Rueth's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
