Gilbert Ruttenberg

Gilbert Ruttenberg, 75, of Stevensville, passed away on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville. Gil was born August 6, 1945, in Chicago to Nate and Jenny Ruttenberg. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from Marshall High School in 1963. He joined the Navy and proudly served in Vietnam. Gil Spent the next 13 years in the Navy. In 1981 Gil met and married Valerie Lindas. They spent 40 years, working and playing together, camping in the summer and vacationing at a family farm in Iowa. Gil worked as a diesel truck mechanic for 20 years at Ft. Sheridan in Highwood, Illinois. Upon retirement in 1999, he was awarded a certificate in recognition of 35 years of service to the government. Gil loved working in his garage fixing cars, and taking long walks with his dogs. He loved having family barbecues and was a best friend to his 2 step-daughters. He was always there to help when they needed him. Day or night, he could be counted on to help any of the family members. He was loved dearly and will be greatly missed by family and friends. A special mention of his dog, Raleigh. Raleigh was his constant companion and friend throughout much of his prolonged illness. Gil leaves behind to mourn his loss; wife Valerie, her daughters, Laura (Ted) Hall and Julie Williams; grandchildren, Jason Merkling, Valerie Merkling, Alex Lyles, Joshua Liberty, Tyler Liberty, Mathew Williams, Steven Williams, Daniel Meadows and many great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a brother, and good friend, Herman Martin Ruttenberg, sister-in-law, Linda Lindas of Lake Villa, IL., and a host of cousins and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nate and Jenny Ruttenberg; beloved cousins, Fred and Bruce Ruttenberg; brother-in-law, Richard Lindas and sister-in-law, Barbara Ruttenberg. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life service will be held at 2 pm on Friday, May 14, 2021, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Pastor David Hills officiating. Burial will take place at a later date in Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Caring Circle Hospice or the Stevensville United Methodist Church.