James Frederick Ruethling

James Frederick Ruethling, born April 20, 1945, in Chicago, Ill., to Clarence and Gertrude Ruethling and a resident of Port Washington and Egg Harbor, Wis., passed away unexpectedly at his home on Oct. 12, 2023.

He is survived by the love of his life, Patricia (nee O’Neill), who was his wife of 52 years. He was the proud father of Eric of Waukesha, Wis., Kristin (Eric) Dufek of Fox Point, Wis., and Gretchen (Carlos Dorta) of Medford, Mass. The purest joys in his life were his six grandchildren, Megan and Julia Dufek, Emma and Anna Ruethling and Clara and Lucas Dorta Ruethling.

He is further survived by siblings Helen Vernier, Evelyn Ruethling and Mary Hook.

He was preceded in death his parents, brother Edward and daughter-in-law Krisy Ruethling.

He was a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and University of Chicago School of Business.

Upon graduation from Notre Dame, Jim became a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps and served three tours in combat during the Vietnam War.

After years in banking in Chicago and then Wisconsin, Jim spent the final 23 years of his career as the administrator of the Beloit Clinic in Beloit, Wis.

He was a man of great honor, conviction, intellect, humor and compassion who put his family above all else. He was an independent thinker with a curiosity for the world.

He loved golf, reading, history, Lake Michigan sunrises and moonrises, good coffee, Door County, Notre Dame football, old fashioneds, steaks on the grill, the Blues Brothers and Willie Nelson songs.

As a loving and doting father and grandfather, he always offered an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, sage advice on all matters practical or personal and a plentiful supply of ice cream.

He never stopped dancing with Patricia and expressing his great love for her every day.

Private services will be held. Semper Fi.

Eernisse Funeral Home in Port Washington is proudly serving the Ruethling family.

To leave your online condolences, please visit www.eernissefuneralhome.com.