Obituary of Donald Francis "Butch" Rueth

DONALD FRANCIS “BUTCH” RUETH passed away peacefully at Brook Gardens in Lake Mills on August 14, 2023, surrounded by family.

Don was born to Erwin and Leone (Miller) Rueth on March 11, 1939.  He married Cathy Szpera on August 26, 1961.

Don proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1960.  He and Cathy attended every reunion his 2 ships had.  They also traveled throughout the United States, missing only 4 states, as well as traveling Europe several times.  Visiting casinos all over the State of Wisconsin was another passion of Don’s.

He worked various construction jobs during his life, including being an ironworker and finally as a foreman for Watertown Siding, retiring in 2004.

Don was an avid hunter and fisherman in his younger days.  He also was a die-hard Packers and Badger fan and he finally became a Brewers fan as well.

Don is survived by his wife of 62 years; children Sherry (Ronald Cato) Behnken, Debra (Jim Martinson) Gamble, and Jeff (Lynn) Rueth; 7 grandchildren: Teona (Joe) Leetzow, Lasa (David) Wenner, Josh (Jenna) Rueth, Jennifer (Brad Wagner) Gamble, Amanda Gamble and Sarah and Jenna Behnken; 12 great-grandchildren: Yvette Wenner, Sydney Gamble, Lyllie and Scarlet Briggs, Clara and Weston Wagner, Jeramius and Jeridian Farmer, Dalton, Bently and Zoe Leetzow and Talia Rueth.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Fairview Sports Bar on Saturday, August 26, 2023 from 11:00AM to 3:00 PM with full military honors at 1:00 PM.

Don’s family would like to thank family, friends and the staff at both Rainbow Hospice and Brook Gardens for their kind and compassionate care during this difficult time.

Visit www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com to leave your condolences for the family.