Milan "Mike" J. Rutti

Milan "Mike" Rutti, 84, of Marysville, died Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at Community Memorial Healthcare in Marysville. A funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 30 at the First Baptist Church in Marysville. Gary Phillips officiated. Deb Landoll played the organ while the congregation sang “Amazing Grace” and “The Old Rugged Cross”. Pallbearers were Vance Fisher, Brandon Drake, Jared Rutti, Lonny Jones, Ed Hawkins and Steve Friedrichs. Honorary pallbearers were Harold Wanklyn, Dean Richardson, Bob Kramer, Leland Shepherd, Dale Shepherd, Bob Potter, Kenny Wanklyn and Vic Claeys. Burial was in the Marysville City Cemetery. Milan was born December 22, 1924 on the family farm near Marysville, the son of Otto and Laura (DeWolf) Rutti. He graduated from Marysville High School in 1943 where he enjoyed playing football. On March 1, 1946, he married Marjorie Shepherd. She preceded him in death on September 4, 1977. On September 9, 1978, he married Mary Lou Eckart. She survives. Milan farmed, ran a dairy and raised quarter horses. He enjoyed hunting birds and coyotes, riding horses in trail rides and parades, and playing in the Shrine Band. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and going to as many sporting events as possible. His great grandchildren brought him many joys and was very proud of all of them. He was a Pony Express Re-Rider, Past President of Kansas Pony Express Riders, Mason, Shriner, past member of the Oketo Fire Department and member of the First Baptist Church where he held many offices. He was also preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Harold Rutti; and one granddaughter, Jennifer Rutti. Survivors include three children, Margaret Friedrichs and husband Steve of Herkimer, KS; Gerald Rutti and wife Lyda of St. John, KS, and Don Rutti of Marysville; three step-children, Susie Kramer and husband Bob of Holton, KS, Don Eckart of Topeka, KS, and Jody King and husband Steven of Riverside, MO; one sister, Delores Wassenberg of Gurnee, IL; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three step grandchildren; and four step great-grandchildren. A memorial fund has been established and will be designated at a later date. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Milan "Mike" J. Rutti, please visit our flower store.