Simon J. Rutz

Simon J. "Sammy" Rutz 75, Wausau, died Monday May 21, 2007, at his home. He was born February 28, 1932, in Little Falls, Minn., son of the late Simon Sr. and Agnes (Ringwelski) Rutz. On June 1, 1953, he married Dorothy Stoltman at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Flensburg, Minnesota. She survives. Prior to his retirement, Sammy had been employed for 41 years at the former James River Corporation. An active member of The Church of St. Anne, Sam was involved in the Thomas More Club, was a member of the St. Anne Dartball Team and participated in many volunteer activities at the church.. Sammy loved nature and spending time outdoors. He was an avid gardener, enjoyed hunting, fishing, feeding the birds and going up north. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Rutz, Wausau, six children, Douglas Rutz, Appleton, Mary (Mark) Ventzke and Keith Rutz, all of Wausau, Thomas (Sue) Rutz, Stanford, Conn., Karen Rutz, Plover, Kathy (Dewy) Lannigan, Aniwa, 12 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Gerald Rutz. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday May 26, 2007 at The Church of St. Anne, Wausau. Rev. Steven Brice will preside. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, town of Maine. Friends may call on Friday from 4 - 7 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a parish rosary service at 6:30 p.m. Friday evening at the Sixth Street funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Anne Parish. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com