William “Bill” Rutten, 90, of West Fargo, ND passed away April 30, 2019 surrounded by his family. Bill was born July 11, 1928, near Drake, ND to John and Elizabeth Rutten. The family moved to Wild Rice area at the age of 14, where he helped farm.
On October 2, 1952, Bill married Delores Stolt of Anamoose, ND, at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict. They began their life of farming southwest of West Fargo until their retirement in 2001. They moved into town, and their son John took over farming. Bill served many years on the Mapleton Township Board and as the Township Assessor. He also worked at Idso Sales in the 1970s.
Bill was born to farm and took pride in his crops and the work he put into them. He enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandkids. He loved to hunt, fish, shoot the breeze with the neighbors, and was always up for a good game of cards or dice.
Bill is survived by his wife of 66 years, Delores, 5 Children: Dan Rutten, Mapleton; Bob (Sally) Rutten, Christine; Debbie (Jim) Anstadt, Frazee, MN; John (Peggy) Rutten, Mapleton; Evelyn Rutten, West Fargo; 11 Grandchildren: Sheri Rough, Missy Krabbe, Brandon Rutten, Kristi Allen, Amber Kiefat, Lindsey Fromm, Mindi Rutten, Lacey Gebeke, Adam Rutten, Anna Molstre, Alec Rutten, 4 step-grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 6 step-great-grandchildren, sisters: Grace Fridgen and Emily Anderson, and one special cat, Walter.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Gladys, Verny, Helen, Tillie, and Hazel, brothers: Con, Dick, Tony and Paul.
Now I can say, "Good morning, God" rather than "Good God, it's morning!"
Bill’s family wishes to sincerely thank Terre Johnson for her dedication and her continued care, the staff of Eventide Fargo for their loving, respectful care, along with Hospice of the Red River Valley.
Celebration of Life Service: 5PM Friday, May 3, 2019 in West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center, West Fargo, ND, with Visitation held one hour prior to the service.
West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center
westfuneralhome.com
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