Obituary: Russell D. Ruettiger

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Russ Ruettiger was born on September 19, 1963, in Ft. Hood, Texas. He passed away peacefully at home on August 26, 2026, in the place he loved most, his bed. Russ, Rudy, Rusty, Rudolphus, Rud, Easter Egg, Hamilton, Uncle Buzz, Papa Rudy, or whatever you may have known him as, was simply fun to be around. Known for his unforgettable belly laugh and the dimples that appeared right along with it, he had a way of making an impression on just about everyone he met.

Russ was first a carpenter before beginning his nearly 36-year career with Commonwealth Edison, later known as Exelon/Constellation, in July 1988. He was promoted to Fuel Handler the following year, eventually becoming part of a traveling group that worked across five nuclear stations. Along the way, Russ made countless friendships and found a second home in the people he worked beside. He also served IBEW Local 15 as a Steward and Chief Steward for more than 21 years and on its Executive Board until his retirement in April 2024.

Sports were the one constant in Russ’s life. His love started as a kid playing basketball for St. Joe's Manhattan and continued into adulthood, playing softball at the Joliet Park District for many decades. He spent his pastime coaching local kids in Channahon Baseball, the Chanooka Braves, Little Indians, and much more. Later in life, he picked up golf and found another place to spend time doing what he enjoyed most: spending time with his buddies, with a cold beer in hand. He was never short on teams to cheer for, with Notre Dame football always at the top of the list, followed closely by the Chicago Cubs, Blackhawks, and Bears.

Russ had friends from every chapter of his life, from the people he grew up with to coworkers who became family, teammates, fellow coaches, and friends made over the years simply by being him. He never seemed to go anywhere without running into someone he knew, and more often than not, Scotty Malone was right there with him. Best friends for more than 40+ years, there was rarely one without the other. Monday nights at Cookie’s were a regular tradition, spent catching up with the same group of guys and sharing plenty of laughs. The outpouring of love following his passing made one thing especially clear, Russ was loved by more people than he probably ever knew.

Russ was the beloved husband of Missy Ruettiger; proud father of Leo John (Kasandra), Kevin Patrick, Mary Katherine Ruettiger, and bonus son, Joe Lukas; adored grandfather of Addison Rose and Brooks David Ruettiger. He also leaves behind his eight nieces and nephews, Taylor, Erin, Mallory, Morgan, Andi, Sydney, Aidan, and Jessica; his faithful companion and "best girl", Gracie; his father, Dennis (Pat) Ruettiger; his siblings, Karen (Brian) Kelly, Mick Sheck, Denise (Bill) Priday, and Eric Peterson.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Katherine Sheck; his stepfathers, Mick Peterson and Marty Sheck; his maternal grandparents, Charles and Katherine Reichardt; his paternal grandparents Leo and Leona Ruettiger; his cherished parents-in-law, Mary and Jerry Breen; and his brother-in-law, Bill McDonough.

Russ leaves behind no shortage of stories, laughter, and people who will miss him. His family hopes that those who knew him will continue telling those stories, remembering the good times, and keeping his unforgettable belly laugh alive in the memories they share.

A celebration of life will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home Essington Rds, 3200 Black Rd, Joliet, IL 60431.

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500, or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com

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