On February 20, 2023, James Aaron Ruttkay passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family in Barron, Wisconsin, following a lengthy illness. He was 64 years old.
James "Jim" was born
the eldest son of Richard and Sally Ruttkay (now of Onawa, IA) on October
18, 1958, in Sioux
City, IA. Jim attended school in the Sioux City School System. He was a 1978
graduate of North
High School. Jim married Brenda Stovner on October 3, 1981. Together they
raised five children
until their marriage ended.
Jim held various positions including Chef, Quality Control with IBP in
Dakota City, SD, Parking
Supervisor at The Metropolitan Club in Minneapolis, MN, and other
positions. He truly was a
“jack of all trades,” He worked until the onset of his illness at which
time he moved in with, and
was cared for by, his youngest daughter Amanda Ohlson and family. Jim
enjoyed the outdoors,
riding his motorcycle, caring for and raising rabbits, chickens, and
various other animals. Jim also
treasured the time he was able to spend with his grandchildren. He never
tired of telling stories
about his time with them.
Jim leaves behind his children, four daughters: Stephanie Snedeker (Dustin) of Hoven, SD, Brittany Ricks (Barnibus) of Liberal, KS, Nicki Merkle of Salina, KS, Amanda Ohlson (Gabe) of Hillsdale, WI, and two sons: Zac (Bud) Ruttkay of Barron, WI, and Christopher Schoepfer of Orlando, FL. To cherish his memory, he leaves behind his parents: Richard and Sally Ruttkay, siblings: Bradley Ruttkay (Teri) of Sioux City, IA, Daniel Ruttkay (Paula) of Sioux City, IA, Marla Patrick (Lynn) of Ft. Meyers, FL, (formerly of South Sioux City, NE), LeAnn Carter (Michael) of Hinton, IA, Shawna Scofield (Randy) of Sioux City, IA, Elizabeth Graves (Jerry Dean) of Sioux City, IA, Janene Ruttkay of Sioux City, IA, and Dawn Langhoff (Todd) of Mount Pleasant, TX, grandchildren, great grandchildren, many nieces/nephews, great nieces/nephews, as well as special extended family members, friends, and acquaintances: Frank Liston, Lori Grogan, Steven Liston, and Kathy Roberts.
Jim was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents: Lee Martin and
Esther Martin-Haberman,
paternal grandparents: Ivan and Elsie Ruttkay, a nephew: Joshua Patrick,
and a great nephew: David
Lozano. Jim was reunited with his beloved dog Moochie whom he loved and
missed every day
since his passing in 2014.
A celebration of life for Jim is scheduled for 1:00 pm on May 20, 2023, at the Community Center located at 312 Driftwood St. in Correctionville, IA. Condolences and memorials can be sent in care of Amanda Ohlson at 667 14½ Street, Hillsdale, WI 54733. Arrangements are with Rausch-Lundeen Funeral Homes, Cameron & Dallas, WI.