William Carl Rutzen (1952-2019)

RUTZEN, HANDELAND, FRIEDRICH, TRAMMELL

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 5/17/2021 at 16:53:13

Obituary From Adams Soderstrum Funeral Home, Story County, Iowa.

William “Bill” Rutzen, age 66, of Ames, passed away on May 4, 2019 at his home in Ames.

William Carl Rutzen entered this life on September 13, 1952, the third of five children born to Orvil Willis and Corrine Thelma (Handeland) Rutzen. He attended school in Hubbard and Zearing and completed his education in Ames. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in the 70’s where he proudly served his country as an Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Technician for six years. He was granted an early discharge to donate a kidney to his brother Don in 1980. He then moved to the Atlanta, Georgia area, where he joined his brother to work in the landscaping division of Post Properties. He later moved back to Ames where he worked for Nelson Construction for several years until he established his own company. His high quality of workmanship kept him in high demand until back and knee problems forced him to retire at age 62. Bill was preceded in death by his father, Orvil and niece, Alissa Rutzen and is survived by his mother, Corrine; brothers, Don (Amy) Rutzen and Ray (Karen) Rutzen; sisters, Jean Friedrich and Joni (Pat) Trammell; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He will be missed by his ex-wife Kellie as they have remained friends for many years. His two special cat companions, Angel and Toby, are lost without him. Bill loved being with family, having dinner every Sunday at his sister Joni’s home where his mother resides, enjoying his cats, and playing video games into the early morning hours. He was a loving son to his mother, especially by taking her to all her appointments when she could no longer drive. Like his father, Bill was great at “fixing” almost everything mechanical. His nephews relied on him for advising them on any car maintenance issues. He would gladly do anything to help his family and friends. The Rutzen family feels blessed that Bill was our beloved family member, and we will all miss him greatly.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at the Adams Funeral Home. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Ames Municipal Cemetery with full military honors.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Adams Funeral Home and online condolences may be left for the family at www.adamssoderstrum.com. Memorials in his name may be made to the Ames Animal Shelter.

http://www.adamssoderstrum.com/
 

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