John A. Ruetten

We mourn the death of John Albert Ruetten, 87, beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather (Papa John), uncle, friend and volunteer. John died at home during the early hours of August 14, 2025. The fourth child of Edmund T. and Alta Mashak Ruetten’s family of eight children arrived on January 16, 1938 in Sparta, WI.

After beginning grade school St. Patrick’s Catholic School, Sparta those first years, John transferred to Hohn Public School, a one-room rural setting where he graduated from the eighth grade at the “top of his class” because he was the only eighth grade student that year of 1952.

John continued his education at Cashton High School where he excelled academically, participated in forensics, class plays, FFA and played on the very first football team in that school system in 1952. As elected Junior Class President, he automatically became the Prom King and chose high school sweetheart Joan Gilbeck to be his Queen in 1955.

Following graduation, John enlisted in the US Army, married Joan Gilbeck on December 29, 1956, stationed in Straubing, Germany, honorably discharged after 18 months and recalled during the Berlin Crisis to Fort Lewis, WA with the Red Arrow Division of the Wisconsin National Guards October, 1961 to August, 1962.

Even with the military interruption mentioned earlier, John and Joan ultimately became parents of five children after they moved to Oshkosh in 1959. John dearly loved his children and was very proud of their accomplishments. He encouraged good academic performance, involvement in extracurricular activities and ultimately a college education for all five of them. They never disappointed John in fact they far exceeded his great expectations!

Always a volunteer, John was active as a PTA President, Cub Scout committee member, Webster Stanley Middle School Mentoring Program person, church committee member and Trustee at St. Mary and St. Peter sites (Most Blessed Sacrament) and the Newman Center. He and Joan were part of an adult leadership group that worked with The Society of People, a group of singing and guitar playing teenagers that provided music for specific Masses, community organizations and nursing homes in the 1970’s. It was a most gratifying experience that somewhat prepared them for parenting their five children in years to come.

Together, John and Joan had a 30-year (1962-1992) association with Tupperware Home Parties, 15 years as Distributors at Live Oak Party Sales, Inc. Business related conventions, conferences and personal vacations afforded them the opportunity to travel throughout the US, Alaska and Hawaii, British Isles, Canada, Europe, Mexico, Norway and Puerto Rico – Door Co. being a favorite place. Following John’s retirement from Tupperware, he became part-owner of FoxColor, Oshkosh and enjoyed the comradery of another direct sales company and made lasting friendships. With all of the responsibilities of business ownership, John still had time to volunteer for 18 years with the Oshkosh Community Credit Union Board and as an election poll leader for over 10 years.

John is survived by devoted wife, Joan for 68 years and their five children: Susan (David C.II) Leach, Cave Creek, AZ; Jeffrey (Wendy Harman) Ruetten, Oshkosh; Trasy Ruetten, Oshkosh; Christopher (Liza Thiel) Ruetten, Fort Myers, FL; and Marc (Lisa Nigl) Ruetten, Oshkosh. His five grandchildren are: Ben (Stephanie Metcalf) Ruetten, Nate (Nancy Hart) Ruetten, Josh Ruetten, Kelsey (Mason) Miller and Justin (Michaela Welsh) Ruetten. There are five delightful great-grandchildren who survive Papa John: Alex, Otto and Hudson Ruetten, Scarlett and Duke Miller.

He will be missed by siblings: Donna Hundt, Ed (Kathleen) Ruetten, Marjorie Spaeth, Liz Lemery, Ray (Mary) Ruetten and sisters-in-law Rose Ann Ruetten (Al Kamp) and Cathy Zellmer. John was preceded in death by parents, brothers: David Ruetten (2002) and Gene Ruetten (2025) and brothers-in-law: Frankie Hundt (1999), Peter Spaeth (1989) and Bruce Lemery (2015).

Additional survivors include Gilbeck in-laws, numerous nieces, nephews, dear friends and wonderful neighbors. Special mention is made of John’s three godchildren: Sarah Necklen, Mitchell Hundt and Jonathan Spaeth (1991).

A Celebration of Life with traditional Catholic Mass will be held at Most Blessed Sacrament, St. Peter site, 435 High Ave., Oshkosh on Friday, August 22, 2025 with Fr. Jerry Pastors presiding and assisted by Lyn Zahorik. Visitation for family and friends at 9AM until Mass at 11AM. Cremation has been done for inurnment at Sacred Heart Cemetery later that day.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.