Edmund ‘Whitey’ J. Ruettgers

Edmund ‘Whitey’ J. Ruettgers, 94, of Hermann, MO, passed away Monday, January 20, 2020 at Hermann Area District Hospital.

Whitey was born in Linn, Missouri on March 13, 1925, a son of the late Louis & Martha (Hoerschgen)Ruettgers.

He was the widower of Lee Ann (Aprill) Ruettgers. They were united in marriage on May 19, 1951, in Hermann, Missouri. To this union two children were born, Duane & Donna. Lee Ann preceded him in death on September 20, 2016 and Donna on October 21, 1997.

Whitey proudly served his country in the US Navy during WWII. He was a member of St. George Church, Hermann, Missouri, the Hermann V.F.W. Post 4182, the New Haven American Legion Post 366, and the Disabled American Veterans #1, St. Louis. Whitey worked for Union Electric as a lineman for many years, in the Hermann, New Haven, Linn, and Gerald areas. He enjoyed going fishing, hunting, playing cards at the Eagle Hall, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Whitey is survived by a son, Duane Ruettgers and wife Marsha, of Owensville, Missouri; by three grandchildren, Nicholas Ruettgers and wife Mary, of Smithton, Illinois, Jenna Smith and husband Harrison, of Lake St. Louis, Missouri; and Donovan Ruettgers and wife Brittany, of Sedalia, Missouri, and his sister, Anna Mae Mehmert and husband Leonard, of Belleville, Illinois. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lee Ann,  his daughter, Donna Ruettgers, and two brothers, Leon & Albert Ruettgers.

Visitation was held Thursday, January 23 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home, Hermann, with V.F.W. services at 7 p.m.

A funeral mass was held Friday at 11 a.m. at  St. George Church, Hermann, Missouri, with Rev. Msgr. Gregory Higley officiating.

Burial was at St. George Cemetery.  Memorials may be given to St. George Church or Hermann V.F.W. Post 4182., C/O Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home.