Mrs. Rutenbeck was my kindergarten teacher in 1986-87. I got the fortune of being in her last class before she retired. She was an excellent teacher and wonderful person. She and I rejoiced and commiserated about the Hawkeyes. That year the Hawkeyes basketball team went all the way to the Elite 8 in the tournament and were for a time ranked #1 in the nation. I remember her classroom door being completely covered with Hawkeyes paraphernalia, and I remember her wearing her festive Hawkeye socks. It was a fun year and I never again had a teacher quite like Mrs. Rutenbeck.
My condolences to all of her family and friends in this time of grieving. Know that she positively influenced many people in her various roles as teacher, parent, grandparent, and friend.
God's Blessings,
Peter Calhoun