Pete Rutten

Pete Rutten, age 85 of Osakis passed away early Saturday morning, Aug. 5, 2006 at the Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria, MN.
Peter was born on July 30, 1921 in Heel, Holland to Jan and Anna (Peters) Rutten. He immigrated to America at the age of 27, first to Joliet, IL and then after a couple of years Pete moved to a farm in rural Osakis. On June 29, 1953 Pete was united in marriage to Patricia Roskie at the Immaculate Conception Church in Osakis. They tried farming for a time in Herman and Waverly, MN before returning to Osakis again in 1959. In addition to farming and raising a family, Pete worked at the Osakis Silo Company in the yard. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception parish and was active in the Knights of Columbus and the church choir. Pete also was a member of the MN Pork Producers.
In addition to the challenge of acclimating himself to the American language and customs, Pete was always interested in politics and enjoyed reading and discussing religion. He loved to work with his hands and made oak benches. Dancing to waltzes and polkas was something Pete enjoyed and when he couldn't be out dancing, he enjoyed listening to that kind of music each week on the Lawrence Welk show.
Family was very important to him and Pete especially loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Whether playing them a game of checkers, scrabble or cards, Pete thoroughly enjoyed their time together. He was a kind and hardworking husband, father and grandpa who will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Pat Rutten of Osakis; 7 children, Linda (Ron) Gadacz of Foley, Christy (Dennis) Johnson of Pine River, Gerald (Marie) Rutten of Alexandria, Vicki (Greg) Brede of Nelson, Stephan (Karla) Rutten and Tony Rutten, all of Alexandria, John Rutten of Lowry; 14 grandchildren; 5 great, grandchildren; 3 sisters still living in Holland, Sr. Reinula Rutten, SPSS, Suzanne Dreissen and Dora Vogels.
Preceding him in death are his parents and a brother, John and a sister, Antonia Rutten.
A Mass of Resurrection was held for Pete on Tuesday, August 8, 2006 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Fr. LeRoy Scheierl officiating. Musicians were the members of the organ choir. Lector for the Mass was Sharon Dirkes and the Eucharistic Minister was his daughter-in-law, Marie Rutten. Giftbearers were his granddaughters. Internment was at the Calvary Cemetery in Osakis, MN with honorary pallbearers being the members of the Knights of Columbus.
Active pallbearers were his grandsons, Keith Gadacz, CJ, Matt, Jeff and Shawn Rutten, Curt and Ricky Peterson and Grayson Brede.
Arrangements were handled by the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis, MN.