Ruttan, Wesley M., 1894-1943

RUTTAN, BRUNSKILL

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/12/2012 at 23:29:27

RUTTAN DIES AT BURBANK LAST SUNDAY
VETERAN OF WORLD WAR 1 IS VICTIM OF GASSING
Former Hawarden Man Saw Service in Three Big Battles in France; Was Active in Legion

Wesley M. Ruttan of Burbank, California, former well known Hawarden resident, passed away at his home Sunday morning following a lingering illness. Mr. Ruttan's illness dates back to World War I, when he was gassed while in battle. Last December his condition became critical. He entered a veteran's hospital in California and received treatment for two weeks. His desire was to be with his family and so for the past months he was cared for in his home.

His remains are being brought to Hawarden. The body, accompanied by Mrs. Ruttan and son, Larry, will arrive Friday morning. Funeral services will be held at 10 o'clock Saturday morning at St. Mary's church with Rev. R. Graf in charge. Interment will be made in Calvary cemetery in this city.

Wesley M. Ruttan, son of Mr. and Mrs. S. G. Ruttan, was born on a farm south of Hawarden on Oct. 11, 1894, and passed away at Burbank, Calif., March 8, 1943, so was past 48 years at the time of his death. He grew to young manhood on the farm near Hawarden and attended the Shoemaker school. After completing his elementary education, he attended the Hawarden High school.

He enlisted in the army in World War 1, Sept. 4, 1917, and served over a year overseas. He and Seal Van Sickle were among the early enlistees out of Hawarden and they went to Camp Dodge together. While in France Ruttan served in three battles, the Argonne, Chateau Thierry and Saint Mihiel. He returned home from overseas in May, 1919.

He was united in marriage with Miss Ila Brunskill on Jan. 28, 1920, and to this union were born two children. After his marriage, he returned to the farm and later the family spent two or three years in Idaho and Oregon. They returned to Hawarden and he was employed by the Cambier Motor Co. For the past seven years they have lived at Burbank, Calif. For two years he was employed at the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation at Burbank and held the responsible position of assumbling bomber sights at this plant. He was compelled to give up his work last fall due to failing health.

He is survived by his wife and two children, Eileen and Larry, both of whom live at home. He also leaves one brother, William Ruttan of Hawarden.

He was a member of the Two Oakes Post of the American Legion of Hawarden, Veterans of Foreign Wars and 40 and 8. When he resided in Hawarden, he took an active part in the work of the Legion and did much for the local post in the early stages of its organization. At one time he served as commander of the local Legion post.

"Rats," as he was commonly known in Hawarden and vicinity, was a friend of everyone with whom he came in contact. He met life as it was meted out to him and nothing could efface his jovial nature nor his inborn good will toward his fellowmen. He was of a strong physique, but even so the ravages of disease claimed him in his prime. He possessed a heart of gold and many outside the family will mourn his untimely death.

Source: Hawarden Independent, March 11, 1943.

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LAST RITES FOR WESLEY RUTTAN

Funeral services for Wesley M. Ruttan, who passed away in Burbank, Calif., March 7, and whose remains were brought here, were held at St. Mary's church at 10 o'clock Saturday morning with Rev. R. Graf saying the requiem mass. The Two Oakes post of the American Legion were in charge of the services at the grave in Calvary cemetery. Mrs. Ruttan and son, Larry, accompanied the remains to Hawarden.

Relatives and friends from out of town who came to attend the funeral included Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Callahan of Council Bluffs, Miss Agnes Brenman of Omaha, Mrs. Ethel Lynott and daughter, Eileen, and Mrs. Kenneth Lichty of Sioux City; Mrs. Thos. Metcalf, Miss Myra Metcalf and Mrs. Frank Bordewick of Primghar; Mrs. B. E. Ingalls of Huron, S.D.; Mr. and Mrs. James Gehan and daughter Catherine of Rock Rapids; Mrs. Wm. Sullivan of Eagle Grove, Charles De Vries, Wm. Cambier and Mrs. Marguerite Fitzpatrick of Orange City, Mr. and Mrs. Max West of Beresford, and Mrs. Margaret Kurtenacher of Alton.

Source: Hawarden Independent, March 18, 1943.