Fred Robert Ruettiger Jr. passed away at the age of 87 on Monday, March 4, 2024, in his Christopher, Illinois home. His wife, five children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren were all able to tell them they loved him and to say goodbye.
Fred was born in Joliet, Illinois, grew up in Rockdale, Illinois, and attended Joliet Central High School. He proudly served in the National Guard for six years. He then spent forty-one years working as an engineer for the E.J.& E. Railroad. He lived in Plainfield/Joliet, Illinois for almost 30 years. He retired and moved to Christopher, Illinois where he enjoyed Rend Lake on a pontoon boat for a few years. He enjoyed vacationing in Wisconsin, fishing, watching Western TV shows and movies, especially John Wayne movies, completing Sudoku puzzles, and cheering on the Chicago Cubs. He had a great sense of humor.
He loved his wife of fifty-seven years Rosemary (née Breen) Ruettiger of Christopher, Illinois; his children: Cynthia Guilmette of Boise, Idaho; Bonnie (Kevin) Ketter of Plainfield, Illinois; Fred (Teresa) Ruettiger III of Crown Point, Indiana; Sherry Ruettiger of Plainfield, Illinois; and Donna Ruettiger of Herrin, Illinois. He also took great pride in his grandchildren: Allison (Ryan) Brown, Melanie (Alex) Warren, Jake (Jenny) Ruettiger, Bridget (Joy Bryant) Ketter, Ashley Guilmette, Martin Ketter, Kelli Guilmette, Serena Ketter, and Addison Ruettiger. Fred was also recently blessed with two great-grandchildren: Mia Ruettiger and Liam Brown. He also leaves behind several loving sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws.
He was preceded in death by his mother Mary (née Jonish) Ruettiger, his father Fred Ruettiger, his sister Rita Blazer, his father-in-law Joseph Breen, and his mother-in-law Muriel (née Pemble) Breen.
The family will have a celebration of life get-together deep in the spring season, which will include one of his favorite things, a bonfire. Details are pending and will be announced here as they become available. Family and friends are encouraged to remember Fred in your own way, reflecting on the moments shared and the impact he had on your life.
Maxton-Rosado Funeral Home in Du Quoin is honored to have been called to serve the family. For more information, or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.maxtonrosado.com or call 618-542-2020 for more information.
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