Michael C Ruthenberg

Fr. Michael Charles Ruthenberg, O.P., 76, died May 3, 2024. He was born on September 9, 1947, in Detroit, MI, and adopted by Willard (Bill) and Marcella (née Maley) Ruthenberg. Michael attended grammar school at St. Isaac Jogues in St. Clair Shores, MI. He received his high school diploma from Brunnerdale Seminary in Canton, OH, in 1966 and entered the Society of the Precious Blood. He earned a BA in Theology from St. Joseph College, Rensselaer, IN, in 1973 before departing the Society in 1974. Michael was working as a railroad carman when he discerned a return to religious life. On August 23, 1982, he entered the Dominican Order and was given the religious name Michael Becket. He professed first vows on August 21, 1983, and began studies for the priesthood at Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, MO. He was ordained at the Basilica of St. Louis, King of France, in St. Louis, on May 14, 1988. Fr. Michael began his priestly ministry at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in River Forest, IL. He spent most of his thirty years in ministry as a chaplain, first at the Dominican Sisters Motherhouse in Sinsinawa, WI, and later at the Little Sisters of the Poor Center for Aging in Chicago, IL. In 2019, he went into Limited Service at St. Pius V Priory. Fr. Michael is survived by his sister Mary LaFontain. His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 10:30am at St. Pius V Parish, 1901 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago preceded by Office of the Dead at 10:00am. Interment at All Saints Cemetery. Memorial Donations to the Dominican Friars, 1910 S. Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60608-2904, opcentral.org are greatly appreciated.