Eugene Rutz

Eugene Harold Rutz was born on Dec. 29, 1942, in Lemmon, S.D., to Rev. Helmuth and his wife, Rhoda (nee Gerth) Rutz. He was baptized on Jan. 20, 1943. In the spring of 1956, Gene was confirmed at Our Savior's Lutheran Church by his father.

Gene attended high school at Northwestern Lutheran Academy in Mobridge, S.D., and graduated in 1960. He graduated from Immanuel Lutheran College in Mankato, Minn., in 1963 and from Immanuel Lutheran Seminary in Eau Claire in 1966. During several summers of his college years, he worked for the U.S. Forest Service as a firefighter in Missoula, Mont.

In 1964, Gene met Patricia Ann Sydow at ILC in Eau Claire. During that year his training for the ministry included several months of service as a vicar at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Cheyenne, Wyo. The Lord brought Gene and Pat together in holy matrimony on Aug. 28, 1965, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Jamestown, N.D. The service was officiated by both fathers, Revs. Helmuth Rutz and Gilbert Sydow. The Lord blessed them with two daughters and one son, Tammy (Jeff) Trippler of Indianapolis, Ind.; David (Dee) Rutz of Katy, Texas; and Heidi (Jim) Weaver of Yorba Linda, Calif. They were also blessed with eight grandchildren, Amanda, Brandon, Micah, Julia, Tori, Brittany, Corey and Alyssa.

Gene is survived by his wife, Pat; all his children and grandchildren; and his brothers and sisters, Gerald (Jane) Rutz and Barb (Bob) Ruegge of Cheyenne, Wyo.; Delbert (Pat) Rutz of Balaton, Minn.; and Nadine (Ron) Hatlewick of Leola, S.D.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Gene served the Lord as pastor of several congregations from 1966 to 1984: Holy Trinity in Missoula, Mont.; St. Peter's in Stambaugh, Mich.; and Bethel Lutheran in Spring, Texas.

He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the mid-'80s. He began driving bus for the Houston transit system in 1984 and retired in November of 2005, after being diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). In August 2007, Gene and Pat moved to Indianapolis in order to be closer to their oldest daughter.

Gene enjoyed get-togethers with family and friends, his church family, and working and playing on the computer. He will be remembered for his wit, attention to detail, dry sense of humor and especially his love for his wife, children and grandchildren.

His life serves as a good example for all of us. He endured his disease patiently, trusting in the Lord's gracious, good will for him. The Lord in His mercy answered his prayer and ours, delivering his soul from this world of tears and suffering to his home with Him in heaven on Saturday, July 19, 2008.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church in Eau Claire on Friday, July 25, 2008.

The family and friends of Gene are thankful for his influence in their lives and thank all who have supported our family all these years.

Memorial contributions for Gene may be made to: Immanuel Lutheran College ILC Building Fund-Gene Rutz, 501 Grover Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701-7199.