Nelson "Bud" P. Ruthe, 93, of Freeport, died Wednesday January 7, 2009 at his home.
Born December 12, 1915 in Freeport he was the son of William F. and Edith (Patterson) Ruthe. On December 31, 1938 he married Mable M. Klosa and she died in March of 1981. He married Marilyn Heilman on April 17, 1982.
"Bud" worked for Micro Switch for 27 years.
He was an active lifetime member of St. John United Church of Christ and a lifetime member of the Germania Club. He was a long time member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Surviving is his wife Marilyn of Freeport; 4 daughters, Barbara (Pete) Martinez and Debra (Joel) Thomas both of San Antonio, Texas, Diane Heilman and Karen Tucker both of Freeport; two sons, Bradley (Nancy) Heilman of Freeport and David (Pam) Heilman of Loves Park; one brother William (Donna) Ruthe of Freeport; 9 Grandchildren, Heather Boyett, Dane Thomas, Nicole (Jeremy) Stender, Sarah Martinez, Brandon and Seth Heilman, Bob (Jess) Heilman, Josie Heilman, and Danielle Erner; 3 great grandchildren, Madison and Noah Boyett, and Madimaya Martinez.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife; and two sisters.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
A gathering will be held Sunday 2 to 4 p.m and Monday 9 to 11 a.m. at St. John United Church of Christ
A memorial service will be held Monday 11 a.m. at St. John United Church of Christ with Reverend Dr. Donnley Dutcher officiating. Burial of his cremated remains will be in Oakland Cemetery & Mausoleum.
A memorial has been established in his name for St. John United Church of Christ Scholarship Fund and FHN Memorial Hospice.
Bud's family invites friends to extend condolences, share a memory, light a candle, or share a caring heart in his honor at www.walkermortuary.com.