Eugene "Gene" T Ruetten

Eugene “Gene” Ruetten, 74, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on December 23, 2024. He was born on March 10, 1950 in Sparta, WI to Edmund and Alta (Mashak) Ruetten. He spent the first 8 years of his life on his family farm in Melvina; then moved to Oshkosh, WI. He graduated in 1968 from Lordes High School. After high school, Gene served in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Germany and South Korea.

After his military service he worked in the family Tupperware business, completed his degree in Occupational Health and Safety, owned the Centennial Bar in Cashton, and dedicated 30 years to working with Federal Service at Fort McCoy. He married Cathy Zillmer on October 7, 1995.

Gene was an avid golfer and loved watching sports. He enjoyed ATVing, spent many years camping, but most of all he loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He was very excited to learn that he was going to be a great grandpa to twins that are due in March. Gene was a past Commander of the Sparta American Legion; he spent many years delivering Christmas meals for the Sparta Community Christmas Dinner; and was a past President of the Cashton Fall Festival.

Gene is survived by his wife, Cathy; children, Eric (Heidi) Funkhouser and Sarah (Ben) Funkhouser; grandchildren, Brooklyn (Garrett) Schreier, Peyton and Emma Funkhouser, and Ethan and Aaron Prestwood; siblings, Donna Hundt, Edmund “Buzz” (Katie) Ruetten, Marjorie Spaeth, John (Joan) Ruetten, Liz Lemery, Ray (Mary) Ruetten; sister-in-law Rosie Ruetten; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David “Butch” Ruetten; brothers-in-law, Frankie Hundt, Bruce Lemery, and Peter Spaeth.

A Celebration of life will be held at The American Legion in Sparta, Saturday, January 4, 2025. Friends are invited for a visitation from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. A Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. with Reverend Randy Williamson officiating. Full military honors, provided by the American Legion Post 100 and VFW Post 2112 will follow the service. There will be a luncheon to follow the honors.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eugene "Gene" T Ruetten, please visit our floral store.