Michael Lee Rutz of 7716 Kilgore Rd,Yale Michigan, and formerly of Enterprise and Hope KS, passed away Wednesday, November 27th, 2024 at Port Huron McLaren Hospital at the age of 69 after suffering a heart attack on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024.
Mike was born on December 24th, 1954 to the late Willis and Carol Rutz. On July 23rd, 2005, Mike married Renauda Cote (Snowbird) of Ontario, Canada.
Mike graduated from Hope High School in 1973 and attended Theological College in California,and Nebraska. He joined the United States Army for 6 yrs and then discharged. In 1984, Mike attended Kansas State University and Manhattan Christian College and received 2 degrees in Education.
In 1987, Mike re-entered the military as Second Lieutenant serving several tours overseas including Germany and Korea as a Commander. Mike served as Captain Rutz during Desert Storm in 1991. He exited the Military in 1996 and resumed teaching In Special Education. Mike taught in Topeka, Garden City, Marlette Elementary in Manhattan, and Abilene High School for 15yrs then retired in 2020. However, Mike continued to teach in Salina KS at Lakewood Middle School, a second time for 2yrs at Marlette Elementary, and lastly at Northern High School in Port Huron,Michigan.
During his years of teaching, Mike had developed a lot of personal relationships with so many students and parents. He helped so many of these kids become responsible and respectful people.
Mike was a member of New Basel Church, Grace United Church and occasionally preached there as well. He was also a member of Community Bible Church.
Mike served several years as a City Council Member for the City of Enterprise KS, and served several years on the Chapman Board of Education.
Mike was a Legion member of Post #39 of Abilene KS. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion.
Mike is Survived by his loving Wife of 19 yrs, Renauda Rutz,
Daughter Julia Cooper (Curt) of Hoxie KS, Daughter Amy Rutz (Jesse) of Manhattan KS, Stepchildren Dave Covemaeker (Myrthe) of Ontario Canada, Tanya Gooding (Chris) of Ontario Canada,
11 Grandchildren, Ryan Rutz son of late Daniel Rutz, Inara and Jemma daughters of Julia, Canadian Grandchildren Theron, Phaedra, Bastian, Remy,Bronson and Hazel children of Tanya, Cameron and Logan children of Dave.
Papa Mike was so special to all of them.
Also survived by his sister,Susie Holloway (Charlie) of Solomon KS, Nephew Brian Holloway(Dawn), Great Nephews
Tyler and Cooper Holloway, Niece Stephanie Morgan (Shane) of Battleground, Washington (Billy’s daughter)
and Former Spouse Ulrike ( mother of Mike’s children.)
Mike is preceded in death by Willis and Carol Rutz (parents) ,Daniel Rutz (Son),
Jamie Holloway(Nephew). Mike’s Brother Billy Rutz also passed away just 2 months after Mike on January 13th, 2025.
Mike will be missed by all and so many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.
Mike had a great love for his family and his passion for helping his students succeed is what kept him teaching.
Mike was the most amazing husband, father and most of all, he was the best papa Mike ever.
Mike loved going to the gym (Impact Sports) and working out and then hanging out with his coffee buddies. He enjoyed many breakfast gatherings with them.
He loved fishing and gardening, which was
his specialty. Mike always made time for the family reunion and loved family dinners at our home. He enjoyed playing with the grandchildren, from nerf guns battles to jumping on the trampoline. Mike looked forward to our yearly trip to Canada to go camping at Bissell’s Hideaway. He
loved to suntan in a lounge chair while watching the grandchildren play in the pool. He loved a good Stella beer and always appreciated his wife’s cooking.
Mike was cremated in Michigan and Renauda is bringing him home to Kansas to be buried beside his Son in Manhattan KS as per his request.
Services will be held July 11th with Lindsey Brummer officiating at 11am at Community Bible Church, 1400 N Cedar St, Abilene KS.
Burial will follow the service at Sunrise Cemetery, 2901 Stagg Hill Rd, Manhattan KS.
Light lunch and Refreshments will follow back at Community Bible Church at 1:30pm
There will be a procession from the church to the cemetery, led by the Legion Riders. If you can only come to the luncheon, please come, it’s the most important thing. Mike would want us all to talk, tell stories and his favorite - for everybody to eat! We can share our memories of Mike.
Family suggests memorial contributions be given to American Legion post #39 of
Abilene, KS in lieu of flowers and may be sent in care of Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home,414 NW Third,Abilene KS 67410.
Condolences may be sent to the family at