Edwin Rutten, 78, of Sioux Falls, died Sunday, October 21, 2012 at his residence following complications from multiple myeloma.
Edwin Joseph Rutten was born June 13, 1934 to Leo and Elizabeth Rutten at Larchwood, IA. He grew up in Larchwood where he received his education, graduating from St. Mary’s High School. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He received his honorable discharge from the Army in November of 1958. Edwin returned to Larchwood where he lived until 1973. On February 27, 1965, he was united in marriage with Monica Catherine Donnelly at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Sioux Falls. The couple moved to Dell Rapids in 1973 and lived there until moving to Sioux Falls in 1977. Edwin was employed as a carpenter and was most proud of his achievements of having added the addition to the Carmelite Monastery in Alexandria, SD and numerous projects at O’Gorman High School and for Cathedral Parish.
He was a man of great devotion. He was extremely proud of his 9 children and 24 grandchildren. His family shared in his love of Notre Dame football and Twins and Canaries baseball. Some of his most cherished carpentry projects included toy boxes, bug catchers, and crafts for his grandchildren. He and his wife opened their home to many people, where he could be found cooking and serving the masses. He was a devoted member of the Cathedral of St. Joseph and grew in his spiritual life with the support of his Saturday men’s group. He was member of the Knights. He was a proud supporter of seminarians, a member of SERRA and the founder of the Serran pancake feed and ribbon campaign.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Monica, of Sioux Falls; his children, Rick “Digger” Rutten (Bonnie) of Colome, SD, Kristee Flynn (Gabe) of Eagan, MN, Laura Woods (Jim) of Canton, SD, Shelly Merrick (Pat) of Westbrook, MN, Thomas Rutten (Denise) of Canton, SD, Rev. Paul Rutten of Sioux Falls, SD, Joseph Rutten (Laura) of Sioux Falls, SD, Rev. John Rutten of Yankton, SD, and Kathryn Kendall (Chris) of Sioux Falls, SD; 24 grandchildren; and two sisters, Esther Horton (Glenn) and Mary Krejci both of Sioux Falls, SD.
Edwin was preceded in death by his brothers, John, James, Lawrence, Joseph, Mathew, Clarence, and Vincent.
Mass of Christian Burial will begin 10:00 am Friday at the Cathedral of St. Joseph. Interment will be in St. Michael Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Thursday, with a Wake service beginning at 7:00 pm, all at the Cathedral.
Miller Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.