"DEAR JANE I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT BRUCE, I WATCHED THE VIEDO IT LOOKES LIKE YOU HAVE A WONDERfUL FAMILY THAT WILL HELP YOU THREW THIS TIME . HE WAS A VERY NICE MAN AND HE MADE YOU HAPPY YOU WERE MEANT FOR EACH OTHER TAKE CARE JANE AND HOPE TO SEE YOU AGAIN SOMETIME THIS IS FROM MARGY SCHULZ"S SISTER LAURIE COLLINS FROM MERRILL YOU WILL BE IN OUR PRAYS"
In loving memory of
Bruce H. Riutta
January 24, 2012
Bruce Henry Riutta, 67, passed away on January 24, 2012 at St Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Houston, Texas due to complications from open heart surgery. He was born October 14, 1944 in Hancock, Michigan to the late Emil and Elma (Saarela) Riutta. Bruce was an Engineer, Vice President and Owner of Upper Lakes Coal Company and Fox River Dock Company since 1983. He received his BSME from Michigan Technological University (MTU) in 1967. An accomplished athlete, Bruce was a member of the 1968 US Olympic Hockey Team in Grenoble, France; a member of the 1965 MTU NCAA Hockey Championship team and a two time All American Hockey Player for MTU. Bruce shared his love of hockey by coaching/mentoring Ashwaubenon hockey players for 25 years with many championships. He was inducted into the MTU Sports Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. Bruce was also a member of the Green Bay Bobcats (USHL) for eight years. In addition to his passion for hockey, Bruce enjoyed golf, football, engineering and spending time with his family at the cottage. He was "Mr. Fix It" and the "Gadget-Man," who liked to innovate. He was a loving, gentle spirit who loved spending time with his family and beloved pets. He enjoyed playing golf every Thursday with his friends at Oneida Golf & Country Club. Bruce also enjoyed spending time with friends at Citrus Park in Bonita Springs, Florida.
Bruce's business accomplishments were numerous. He was a member of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and his vision and fortitude had a positive impact on the City of Green Bay and its port system.
He is survived by his loving wife Jane Marie; a son, Barry (Kathy) Riutta and their daughter, Natalie; three daughters, Shelley Riutta, Vanessa (Aaron) Backer and their daughter, Emerson and Erin Riutta and friend, Kyle Bardouche. He is further survived by his stepchildren, Shawn (Laurie) Beauparlant, Ryan (Valorie) Beauparlant and step grandchildren, Emily and Jacob Moen and Rachel and Alissa Berg; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, best friend and coach, David Riutta.
We extend a special thank you to Dr. Raymond Bachhuber of Aurora Health Center, Dr. Thomas Cain of Thoracic Vascular, and Dr. Joseph Coselli and Dr. Casara of Baylor Medical College in Houston, Texas along with all the angel nurses who cared for him during the last few weeks of his life. Our heartfelt gratitude to all of our friends and family who have prayed so diligently and often for Bruce and his family.
Visitation will take place at Lyndahl Funeral Home on Friday, January 27, 2012 from 4pm until 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, January 28 at 11:00 at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, 2270 S. Oneida Street, with Rev. John Becker presiding. There will be no prior visitation at the church.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Bruce's name.
Tributes
"Jane and Family, we are so sorry for your loss. Please know your Citrus Park friends have been thinking of you throughout your time away. We hope we will be seeing you again this season. Donna and Ches Grandy"
"JANE, The video was really nice, you were so lucky to have him in your journey of life."
"Very sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. We always enjoyed seeing his smile. Dr David Shavlik and Staff at Amenity Dental Care"
"Mrs. Jane, I am so sorry we couldn't do more for Bruce. When I left for the weekend he had improved so much. I will never forget how much love you left in the room when you visited him. You two reminded me of high school sweethearts. I pray for peace and comfort for you, Erin, and the rest of your family. Sincerely, Brandi McCall, RN"
"Staying with the Riutta's when I was a child growing up always was an enjoyable time and second home to me. Its a shame to get older and losing those you had liked and looked up to most. Goodbye Bruce thank you for your company and kindness you gave me to growing up."
"Jane & family, Please except our deepest sympathy! We were so sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. Know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!! Sending you Hugs! Jane & Ron Garrity"
"I was so very sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. When he was young, I was a Hancock neighbor living on the next street who would babysit him and regularly take him to the outdoor Lauren Grove Ice Rink to learn to skate. I remember when he was so wobbly he could hardly stand on his little skates even when holding on the sideboards. He certainly worked hard and progressed far in his skating capabilities and in his life! I was so very happy for him. He was a very special person who will be missed and remembered."
"Another gathering to celebrate the life of a Bobcat and good friend. We will miss you Bruce. Our best wishes go to Jane , the children and their families."
"I remember Bruce as a warm and real coach who knew how to teach and respected everyone he came in contact with. "
"Condolences from Bruce's 4th St. neigbor. Honored to see Bruce humbly excel at all avenues of life and still be there for brother David and mom and dad when needed. Bruce was the West Hancock mentor for many. What an inspiration. With deepest Sympathy. Gabe and Paul "
"Riutta Family Our hearts and prayers go out to you at this time. Early in my life Bruce was a good friend to me and my family. John Beebe Family"
"Let me first give the family my deepest condolences for your great loose. Bruce and I were cousins who spent countless hours as young boy climbing the Hancock mine poor rock piles, swimming in "Swedetown" creek, being perpetually late for dinner, exchanging carefully constructed pencil written letters and playing at family picnics. I am particularly saddened that circumstances keep us from being closer. He will always be a very bright spot in my memory. Love, Jim "
"Riuttas, Thank you for sharing a husband's and father's time over the years. Although I have only met you in passing, your husband's positive legacy of caring and committment is reflected in my husband (and former Ashwaubenon hockey player) Steve Stocki. Bruce led and coached by example. Over the years, Steve shared stories of Bruce, and his admiration and respect for Bruce ran deep. Your family is in our prayers, Steve & Stacy Stocki"
"Dear Jane, Deeply saddened to hear of Bruce's passing. I very much appreciated the opportunity to work with Bruce and admired his calm personality and integrity. I also enjoyed watching Bruce coach hockey whether it was Ted's mite team or the high school team. He was very generous with his time to the benefit of young men in the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Tom and Mary Beth Kemen"
" Dear Jane--Warren and I were sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. We are sorry we can't express them in person but we are in Florida now. We hope to see you up at the cottage sometime this summer. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time in your life. God Bless. Warren & Pat Neumann "
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time. Rob and Lori Witting"
"How very sad we are to learn of Bruce's passing. Bruce was not only a great person, but a great role model for the hockey world. Although it's been many years, the memories are treasured and special. Our sympathies to Bruce's family."
"We would like to express our deepest sympathy to your family for your loss. Bruce will be remembered for his gentle manner and subtle sense of humor. I played a lot of hockey against Bruce during our juvenile hockey years ( we lost most of the time) and played hockey with Bruce at Tech. He was an exceptionally talented athlete and truly was the "MTU student athlete". He will be missed by all. "
"Shelley, I recall you talking about your dad during our time at Family Service Association. Please accept my family's sympathy on Mr. Riutta's death. "
"Jane and family,a special person has been taken from us. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you. Bruce and I go back to grade school and shared many memories,from playing in the park between our houses,hockey at lauren grove. Bruce getting caught by his father after drinking home made wine Epper lifted from his dad's basement and not telling on the rest of us. As we got older riding around in his Dodge and hanging out at the teen center. Our lives took us in different directions and we didn't see much of each other,but when we did we always enjoyed having a few beers and talking about the good times growing up in Hancock. Bruce will be missed God Bless Don and Angie Nikkinen"
"Dear Barry, I am sorry to learn about the loss of your father. I has been a long time since I knew you as a graduate student. I have completed 40years at Tech and plan to stay for another 10. I still see Paul Masini and his father at my church. Best wishes for you and your family."
"My sincere condolences to the family. I knew Bruce for many years through work and remember traveling to Kentucky with him several years ago to visit the coal mines. He was a genuinely good person and will be missed. "
"I would like to tell Bruce's family how great Bruce was to me growing up here in Hancock and at every game my father and I would attend to watch the bobcats, He always had good things to tell me that would make me learn more about hockey and he could sure make me laugh. What a Man!!! "
"We want to extend our deepest sympathy to Bruce's, family on his passing. Bruce grew up across the street from us on Fourth Street in Hancock. He will be missed by a lot of people. May all your memories of him help you during this difficult time. Clarence and Yvonne Fisher"
"Dear Barry and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Your dad will always be a very special man in many people's hearts. We are all sending you and your family lots of love and prayers from West Houghton. Love, Cathy Lucchesi-Gedda and Brian Gedda, Dino Lucchesi and family, Michael Lucchesi and Ace."
"Dear Jane and family, WE are so sad to hear about Bruce. He really fought hard to stay with you all and you were so supportive during all of his trials. We are so sorry to miss the services as we are out of the country. Love and sincerest sympathy to all of you. Shaw,s and Kosmoski,s. "
"We send you our love and prayers. We cherish the times we spent together and most recently the Packers with Bruce in September. We keep you in our hearts always. Sal & Paul"
"TO ALL OF BRUCE'S FAMILY OUR SINCERE SYMPATHY,ALTHOUGH BRUCE WAS A COUPLE OF YEARS OLDER THAN I WAS WE PLAYED A LOT OF HOCKEY TOGETHER IN OUR YOUNGER DAYS,AND AGAINST EACH OTHER WHEN HE PLAYED FOR THE BOBCATS,AND I PLAYED FOR CALUMET, I THINK HE SCORED A GOAL OR TWO ON ME BACK THEN,AND I REMEMBER WHEN MY DAD STEVE BROUGHT BRUCE TO OUR HOUSE FOR DINNER WHEN HE WAS PRES. OF CC HOCKEY ASSOC. TRYING TO MAKE SURE JOHN MCINNES GAVE HIM AN OPPORTUNITY AT MICH. TECH, AND HE LAST TIME I SAW HIM AT THE H.C.H. ALL CLASS REUNION , AND WE VISITED FOR AN HOUR OR TWO WAITING FOR THE RAIN TO STOP SO WE COULD GOLF, HE WILL BE MISSED BY EVERYONE WHO PLAYED HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS,AND HOCKEY OVER THE YEARS, ONE OF THE 'GOOD GUYS'"
"I was at Tech 3 yrs behind Bruce but got to watch him play hockey. Met him in person many times at the Wyandotte Hills Golf Club in Twin Lakes MI. We played together many times and had a lot of fun together. He was a special person, warm and encouraging. My condolences to the family at the loss of such a special man. "
"So sorry to hear of your loss, Jane, Erin and family. I remember when Erin and I were in elementary school, Bruce let our whole class come tour Upper Lakes Coal Company and we had such a fun time. And during our numerous sleepovers when Bruce would always make sure we were having fun and giving us rides to wherever we wanted to go. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
"Dear Jane, Barry and all family members: we are so sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. We have fond memories of Florida and here in the Copper Country that make fond retelling! Please accept our most sincere condolences for losing a great guy."
"Dear Jane and Family, Sorry to hear about your loss. Bruce and his family are in my prayers."
"Dear Jane and Family, We are so very sorry for your great loss. Bruce will be missed by many people. We loved his smile and wonderful laugh. He called Pat on Christmas Day. He is so very happy that they were able to talk. Little did we know that would be the last of their frequent talks. We will truly miss a very dear and special friend. We would be there but are leaving on a cruise this weekend. Remember that wonderful cruise we took a few years ago together. You are in our thoughts and our prayers."
"Jane, I don't know if you remember me. I am Susan Hamer and you worked with me when you were selling real estate. I remember you fondly and I was so sorry to read of your loss. The description of Bruce in the Press Gazette was very endearing. He appeared to be a wonderful man. My thoughts are you with you and your family. Sue"
"Bruce was a great man and the world will be a duller place without him. Our condolences to Bruce's family and friends. We are sorry for your loss and will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers."
"Bruce was a great man and the world will be a duller place without him. Our condolences to Bruce?s family and friends. We are sorry for your loss and will keep you all in our thoughts a prayers."
"My condolences to the family. Was so sorry to here of Bruce's passing. I covered the Bobcats while Bruce was on the team and got to know him. He was not only a great defenseman but a great guy. I last saw him for a libation last St. Patrick's day in Bonita Springs and was looking forward to seeing him again there as I am a snowbird in Punta Gorda. rest in peace Bruce"
"Andrea, Vicki, & I would like to express our deepest condolences to Jane, Erin, Shelly and the all the Riutta family. Bruce was a great guy. I got to know Bruce due to our daughters both participating in the Ashwaubenon high school girls basketball program. Bruce was an avid fan of Erin and all the other girls on the team. My most vivid memory of Bruce as a Jaguar fan came in the quarter-final game of the state championship in the Alliance Energy Center in Madison. Bruce was sitting in one of the front rows and it was late in the first half. The ref called a questionable third four on Erin. Bruce let his displeasure with the call be known by shouting out a common phrase that starts with "Bull" and ends with "it"!!!!! As chance would have it, Bruce was sitting right behind the radio announcers broadcasting the game on a statewide network....so all Wisconsin basketball fans listening in that day got a taste of Bruce's passion for competition. Later that weekend, after Erin and the Jaguars clinched the WIAA Division One State Championship (The Golden Ball), Bruce, myself, and Dave Johnson, the team bus driver, stepped outside the hotel and smoked victory cigars. It was the greatest "Red Auerbauch" moment of my life. As long as I live I will never forget Bruce Riutta. Bob Fresen Ashwaubenon, WI"
"Sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Always enjoyed talking with him and sharing U.P. stories. He will be missed. Take care, "
"Barry, I am deeply saddened by the loss of your dad and will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. "
"Mr Fix-it and Gadget-Man - absolutely! I loved that he and I both shared an affinity for gadgets. To many other memories to share. He will be missed!"
"It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to you Bruce! We will miss you terribly. Our deepest sympathies to all of your family members - Jane, Barry, Shelley, Vanessa, Erin, their spouses, children and friends : our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God's peace be with you all. All of your friends and co-workers at Upper Lakes Coal and Fox River Dock "