Michael L Rutz

Michael Lee Rutz, 69, of Yale, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

He was born December 24, 1954 in Abilene, Kansas to the late Willis and Carol Rutz. He met Renauda Cote and married in July 2005 after an internet international romance.

Michael taught special education at numerous schools over the years including Abilene High School, Marlette Elementary School and Lakewood Middle School, Kansas, and most recently Port Huron Northern. He began his Army service as chaplain and continued to serve his country as Captain Rutz during Desert Storm. Mike belonged to the Legion Riders Post #39. He also preached at Grace United Church of Christ in Abilene, Kansas.

Mike’s favorite activity in Kansas was going to meet his coffee buddies at Impact Sports to work out at the gym. Mike enjoyed fishing and gardening, but above all he loved spending time with his family. The family reunion was always a must with him, and he made spending time with his kids and all 11 grandchildren his top priority, whether he was enjoying family dinners cooked by his wife or playing with the grandkids, from nerf guns to jumping on the trampoline.

He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Renauda; children, Julia (Curt) Cooper, Amy Rutz (Jesse), Tanya (Chris) Gooding and Dave (Myrthe) Covemaeker; 11 grandchildren; brother, Billy Rutz; sister, Susie (Charlie) Holloway; nephew, Brian (Dawn) Holloway; niece, Stephanie Morgan; and great nephews, Tyler and Cooper Holloway. He was preceded in death by his parents Willis and Carol Rutz; son, Daniel Rutz; and nephew, Jamie Holloway.

Services will be held next summer in Kansas.

Burial will be in Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan, Kansas.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 39 in Abilene, Kansas.

Arrangements are by Pollock-Randall Funeral Home. To send condolences, visit pollockrandall.com