Gary Rutt Obituary

Shakopee - Gary James Rutt, age 80, of St. Thomas, passed away suddenly at All Saints Senior Living in Shakopee, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Gary was born on June 17, 1945, in New Prague, to Frank and Mary (Velishek) Rutt. He attended Holy Redeemer Catholic School and Montgomery High School. He met the love of his life, Shirley E. Keough, at her "sweet 16th" birthday party and they married on October 2, 1965, at St. Thomas Catholic Church. Gary's heart was in farming, but in addition to that and raising his ten children with Shirley, he worked with his brother, Eddie Rutt, for Polar Panel and Winco, and for many years for Toro in Bloomington and finally, for United Steel in Montgomery, from where he retired.

The tenets of Gary's life were faith, family, and farming. He volunteered at the Montgomery Food Shelf and Pioneer Power and loved tractors and classic trucks. Gary's love of farm and field also showed itself in his garden. An avid gardener, he was famous for his tomatoes, taking them to farmer's markets and even growing a few plants and providing the residents at All Saints with the fruits of those tomato plants. His pumpkin patch provided his grandchildren with pumpkins for years!

Love of his family led him to follow ALL the grandchildren's activities! He enjoyed nothing more than following them in activities such as 4-H, softball, volleyball, track and field, to name just a few. His greatest love, however, came in wrestling, where he was an avid fan, cheering on his sons, grandchildren, and even the great-grandchildren and following wrestling even after all the kids were finished.

It was later in life, when he took up traveling, visiting places he had previously never dreamed of seeing. His favorite trips were the annual family trip up north to the cabin. He took his first plane trip after age 70! That sent him further afield to places such as Hawaii, AZ, NC, FL, CA, Nashville, New Orleans, and Las Vegas. Gary was also very proud of his Czech heritage, making his own sauerkraut and he loved nothing more than listening to old-time music on KCHK. He left a rich legacy for his family. His work ethic was second to none and while being rather quiet, he had a glint in his eye that indicated a bit of fun in his spirit! He had a gentle heart and kindness that extended to all who knew him.

Gary is survived by his wife of 59 years, Shirley; children, John (Cathy) Rutt of Belle Plaine, Steve Rutt (significant other, Tracy Kadrlik) of Le Center, Michele (John) Medina of New Prague, Bill (Sue) Rutt of Montgomery, Laurie (Rich) Grimm of Shakopee, Joe (Jenny) Rutt of Le Center, Susie (Donovan) Steele of Winthrop, Frank (Stacy) Rutt of North Mankato, Catherine (Andy) Goettl of Le Center, Jimmy (Betsy) Rutt of Belle Plaine; 37 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, Mary Lou Chadderdon of Iowa, Kathryn "Jeannie" (Henry) McGowen of Scottsdale, AZ. He is preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Ryan Rutt; siblings, Estellene Bastyr, Francis, Eddie, and Kenneth Rutt, Delores Bultman, Lou Ellen Gustafson, Beverly Rutt, and Donna Ginter.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, July 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas Catholic Church, in St. Thomas, rural Le Sueur with Father Michael Miller officiating. Visitation will take place at church from 9-11 AM. Burial will occur at St. Thomas Cemetery followed by lunch at the KC Hall in New Prague.

Memorials are preferred to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer's Association. bruzekfuneralhome.com