Richard Rutgerson

We are sad to announce the passing of Richard Donald “Butch” Rutgerson of Oak Ridge, NC. He died at age 85 on August 3, 2022. Butch passed away peacefully at home with his wife of 59 years, Linda, by his side. He was born on July 16, 1937, in Cornwall County, NY to the late Maria Swenson and Richard Ossian Rutgerson.

In his early years Butch proudly served in the US Air Force before falling in love and marrying Linda. After his military service he joined the NYC Council of Carpenters, following his father's footsteps and becoming a project foreman on many large jobs around the New York City metropolitan area for many years. After retirement the couple moved to Oak Ridge, NC and have enjoyed 16 years making friends. Linda and Butch became involved in Shady Grove Wesleyan Church, which they now consider family also. Butch loved the outdoors, being an avid hunter and camper and a dedicated Boy Scout leader for over 30 years, having approximately 15 Eagle Scouts to his credit. To this day so many of his boys talk about the influence his honesty and character has had on their life choices and ambitions. Butch was a wonderful faithful husband and father who will be greatly missed. A man for whom faith and family were everything, he loved his family deeply but most of all he loved his Lord Jesus Christ. We will miss his steadfast presence and his groan-worthy Dad jokes.

He is survived by his wife Linda; two daughters, Susan Rutgerson, and Sharon Rutgerson Trimble (Brian Trimble); two sons, Richard Rutgerson (Alla), and Steven Rutgerson (Beth); and three grandchildren, Jonathan Trimble, Danny Rutgerson, and Emily Rutgerson. Butch loved his family deeply and was so proud of them. His buttons almost popped when he spoke of them.

The funeral will be a private ceremony with only close family members present. A memorial will be planned for later this year. We invite you to make a donation in honor of him to Shady Grove Wesleyan Church 119 N Bunker Hill Rd, Colfax, NC 27235.