Richard E. Ruetz

Richard E. Ruetz, 87, formerly of New Castle, went home to be with his Lord on March 8, 2014 at Prairie Lakes Health Campus in Noblesville. Dick was born March 12, 1926 in Michigan City, a son of the late Raymond and Hilda (Wagner) Ruetz. He was a graduate of Elston High School and on March 29, 1948 in Michigan City married the love of his life, Lou Mae Ruggles. He served on the USS Lesuth in the Pacific during WW II as an electrician's mate. His ship was harbored in Tokyo Bay at the time of the Japanese surrender to General Douglas MacArthur. He and his shipmates were able to see some of the activity by way of gun sites on the ship. Dick was a 32 year employee of Indiana Bell which later became part of AT&T. Following retirement in 1982, he became associated with Sproles Construction Co. in New Castle as an electrician. He loved the harvest of his vegetable garden and thrived on helping those in need with his tools and talents. He was a former member of Tabor Baptist Church in Muncie. Being a faithful follower of Jesus Christ was exemplified by his deep devotion to his family and his commitment to the spread of the gospel. He had been a long-time active member of Gideons International and a volunteer in many areas with Child Evangelism Fellowship, also a world-wide ministry. Dick is survived by his wife of nearly 66 years, Lou Mae Ruetz of Carmel; a daughter, Deborah (husband: Norman) Cargill of Greenwood; a son, Todd (wife: Cheryl) Ruetz of Noblesville; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Lee (wife: Jackie) Ruetz of Texas and Ray (wife: Joy) Ruetz of Arizona; a sister, Virginia Rosewicz of Pennsylvania; a brother-in-law, Gene Ruggles of Michigan City and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Winifred Curb and Joan Ruggles. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at Sproles Family Funeral Home where funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Thomas L. Sproles and Rev. Jim Sandberg officiating. Graveside services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Central DST, Thursday, March 13, 2014 in Swan Lake Memorial Gardens, Michigan City, Indiana with military honors provided by a contingent from the U.S. Navy, the V.F.W. and American Legion. In lieu of flowers, Dick would want memorial contributions to be designated for the local Henry County Gideon Camp for the purchase of Bibles to be distributed in the USA and around the world. The family wishes to thank the nurses and aides at Prairie Lakes Health Campus who provided excellent care for Dick for nearly three years. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of our friend, Dick Ruetz.

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Richard E. Ruetz

March 12, 1926 - March 8, 2014