Richard "Dick" William Rutz, 77, of La Porte, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2020, at VNA Hospice Center in Valparaiso after many months of illness.

 

Richard was born on October 10, 1942, in La Porte, IN, to Richard Herman and Ruth Clara (Rump) Rutz.

 

On August 20, 1966 in La Porte, IN, he married Renny Danitschek who survives.  Also surviving are his children, Rich (Heather) Rutz of Cincinnati, OH and Mark (Heather) Rutz of Germantown, MD; 4 grandchildren, Lauren, Megan, Makhi, and Ava; sister, Carolyn (Richard) Sellke of Portland, OR; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

 

He was preceded by his parents.

 

Dick was known throughout his life in a variety of roles.  To some, he was known as Mr. Rutz, the biology teacher.  He was passionate about teaching and enjoyed many students throughout the years. He taught for 38 years mostly in La Porte, but started in the Portage school system.  Others knew him as Dick Rutz, the farmer.  He started out helping his father on the farm working the land and milking at an early age, taking over the farm after his own father had passed.  Dick was also known as a La Porte County Fair Board Member.  His enjoyment in the fair moved him to take on many roles with the fair from secretary, treasurer, to president.  He spent 50+ years involved with the fair and promoted the importance of 4-H.  Dick was also on the Scipio Township Board.  To his family, he was a doting grandfather who made sure his grandchildren were spoiled.  Dick was very proud to be from La Porte, graduate from La Porte High School, continuing his education at Ball State University with a Master's Degree in Education.  Dick then taught at La Porte High School.  He was a proud Slicer.  La Porte is a little less with his passing.

 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at St. John's Lutheran Church with Pastor Ken Schaeffer officiating.  Burial will follow at Union Mills Cemetery.

 

A time of visitation will be held from 4 - 7 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2020 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday at the church. 

 

The family will be establishing the "Richard W. Rutz La Porte High School Science Scholarship".  Memorial donations may be made to Renny Rutz c/o Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2900 Monroe Street, La Porte, IN  46350.

 

Condolences may be shared with the family on www.cutlercares.com.