Allen Rutenbeck's Obituary
Allen L. Rutenbeck, 89, of Clinton, died Saturday, October 22, 2011 at the Eagle Point Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Clinton. Funeral Services will be 10:30am, Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at the Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes and Crematory. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery with military honors being conducted by the Clinton AMVETS Post #28. Serving as pallbearers will be Max Troxel, Kevin McBride, Nate McBride, Travis McBride, Andrew Rutenbeck, and Brandon Rutenbeck. Visitation will be Monday from 4:00-7:00pm at the funeral home. Allen Leo Rutenbeck was born on September 23, 1922 in Smithtown, Iowa, the son of Edwin and Viola (Herkelman) Rutenbeck. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1940. While attending Clinton High he was active in sports and was captain of the football team. He enlisted in the United States Army on December 30, 1942 and served with the 12 Army Division in World War II. He was wounded in France. He was honorably discharged on September 13, 1945. He received the Purple Heart, the Good Conduct medal, ETO ribbons, and the Combat Infantry Badge. He married Mary Louise Ladehoff on October 14, 1943 at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in Clinton. After serving his country is attended the University of Iowa and graduated in 1949 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He returned to Clinton and worked for Clinton Engineering as Secretary Treasurer retiring in 1984. He was a member of the American Legion Post #190, Izack Walton League, Clinton High Alumni Association, University of Iowa Alumni Association, served as the chairman of the class reunions of 1940, and a active Republican. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, trapping, horses, and gardening. He is survived by his wife: Mary Louise of Clinton; one son: Jim (Jan) Rutenbeck of Cordova, Illinois, two daughters: Linda Rutenbeck of Arcata, California, and Barb (Kevin) McBride of Clinton, Iowa; nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; and one brother: Ethan Rutenbeck of Iowa City, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters. Memorials can be made to Mercy Home Health Care.
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