Terry Ruettgers

While surrounded by loving family, Terry Ruettgers passed from this world on September 16th, 2018, after experiencing a cardiac event.

          Terry was born the day after Christmas in 1944 in Victoria, Texas to John Joseph "Joe" Ruettgers and Florence Juanita "Nita" (Nonn) Ruettgers.  His father was a U.S.A.F. Colonel (ret) and pilot, which allowed Terry to travel the world at a young age, living in places such as Japan, Germany, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. Terry told funny stories of trying menu items at random on foreign menus and being rewarded with meals such as tripe with red sauce.  In his teen years Terry, his parents, two brothers, and a sister returned to the United States.  Terry attended high school in Victorville, CA, and finally Tacoma, WA where he graduated from Clover Park High School.  An enthusiastic and avid sports participant, Terry especially loved football, earning the nickname "Tank" as an offensive lineman.

          After high school Terry enrolled at Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID and met a wonderful woman, Peggy Lynn Floyd.  Peggy accepted his marriage proposal and they were wed on September 1, 1965 in Nampa, ID.  They brought three children into the world, Joseph "Sean" Ruettgers, Dianna Dawn "Dee Dee" Ruettgers, and Matthew "Shayne" Ruettgers.  As a young father Terry encouraged his children to partake in sports, student clubs, and to embrace the great outdoor offerings of Idaho.  He also coached baseball and was a vocal fan of the kid's activities.  Terry enjoyed pheasant hunting on his in-laws farms and discovered the joy and frustration of fly fishing Idaho's lakes and streams.  Terry and Peggy recently celebrated their 53rd anniversary.

          Terry's professional life included careers in finance, real estate sales, and real estate regulation.  He joined the Idaho Real Estate Commission in 1992 and was rapidly promoted to the position of Chief Investigator, retiring in 2007.  Upon retirement, most people turn to leisure and relaxation, but Terry embraced the physically demanding hobby of flower and vegetable gardening and the creative hobby of woodworking.  He competed with his friends and children on growing copious quantities of tomatoes and berries, all the while getting underfoot of his beloved wife and teasing friends and family with jokes and entertaining all with anecdotes from his life.  His beautiful hand carved knife handles and wood projects were coveted by all as gifts.  Through the years he loved his pets; Mopsy, Rusty, Rowdy, Missy, Lily, and Gadget as full family members, and upon passing Terry's pacemaker was donated for veterinary use.  Terry also was an organ donor.

          Terry was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Nita.  He is survived by his wife Peggy, his children Sean (Peggy Jr), Dee Dee, and Shayne (Kim), his grandchildren David Matthew Tobin, Corbin Jacob Seibold, Colby Blake Seibold, Joseph "Tyler" Ruettgers, and Preston "Caleb" Ruettgers, his older brother Mike Ruettgers, younger sister Jody Rowley, and younger brother Paul Ruettgers.  There are many nephews and nieces that will miss his banter and teasing as well.

          Memorial services will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, September 29, 2018 at Alsip and Persons Funeral Chapel, 404 10th Ave. S in Nampa, ID.

          We will miss your love, jokes, and wisdom Terry--husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.  May heaven embrace your wit, humor, and heart.

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