Orville Rueter

Orville Rueter went to his heavenly home on February 27, 2018 at the age of 92.
Orville was born on February 18, 1926, in New Minden, to Fred and Magdalena (nee Schrieber) Rueter. He was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church in New Minden and attended St. John’s School. Orville joined St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Carlyle in 1984.
Mr. Rueter married Johanna Erlinger on October 12, 1946 and she preceded him in death on October 28, 1981. He was also preceded in death by his parents; his brothers-and sisters-in-law – Alvin and Ida Rueter, Walter and Emma Rueter, Willard and Erna Rueter, Norvin and Betty Rueter, Alfred and Cleva Rueter, and Donaldt Rueter.
On June 30, 1984, Mr. Rueter married Bernice (nee Von Hatten) Kauling, and she survives in Carlyle. Orville is also survived by his five daughters – Judy Abernathy (Jim) of Carlyle, Sharon Stewart (Joe) of Hot Springs Village, Ark., Jean Kleber (Ed) of Carlyle, Deb Kroeschen (Greg) of Toluca, and Mary Verstegen (John) of Carlyle; four step children – James Kauling (Mary Alice) of Collinsville, Don Kauling (Kim) of Carlyle, Cindy Dumstorff (Lester) of Carlyle, and John Kauling (Ruth) of Carlyle; his grandchildren – Scott Abernathy (Lindsey), Chad Abernathy (Shawn), Justin Kleber (Madison), Jaron Kleber (Brittany), Alyssa Pomagier (Christopher), Alivia Kroeschen , Nicholas Verstegen, Kristi Verstegen, Brian Kauling (Ashley), Allison Kauling (Claire), Dawn Smith (Jim), Leslie Dumstorff, Robert Dumstorff (Jennifer), Teal Kauling and Brandon Kauling. Orville is also survived by his great grandchildren – Jaden and Jackson Porcell, Max Abernathy, Drake Dunn, Paxton Kleber, Baby Girl Kleber and Baby Boy Abernathy, both to be born in April, Kaityln Smith, Logan Smith, Ethan Dumstorff, Audrey Dumstorff, and Kate Dumstorff; and a sister-in-law – Dorothy Rueter of Hoffman.
Mr. Rueter was a U.S. Army Veteran, having served with Company “H” of the 36th Armed Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Spearhead Division, in World War II. Mr. Rueter attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was awarded 3 Battle Stars having participated in the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe Campaigns. He also received the Combat Infantry Badge and Unit Citation. Orville served with the 1st Armored Division in the Army of Occupation till discharged.
Orville was a resident of Carlyle since 1941, a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW. He served 25 years on the board of directors at Farmers and Merchants Bank of Carlyle, and 15 years on Zoning Commission in Carlyle. Mr. Rueter was employed by Moran Shoe Company for 12 years and was past owner and manager of Carlyle Ready Mix, Hoffman Ready Mix, C & H Concrete, Greenville Concrete, V & O Concrete, and Five Inc. Trucking.
Above all of his army service and business ventures, Orville was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to all he came to know. His smile, love of his country and family, laughter and good times, will always remain in the hearts of all who knew him.
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at St. Mary’s Church in Carlyle with Fr. George Mauck, officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at Zieren Funeral Home in Carlyle on Friday, March 2, from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. and on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until 12:30 P.M.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Rueter are suggested to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Carlyle or to St. John’s Lutheran Church in New Minden and will be received at Zieren Funeral Home.
Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.ZierenFuneralHome.com.

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