IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Charles
Ruetten
April 25, 1956 – March 25, 2025
Obituary
Charles "Chuck" "Bull" Ruetten, 67 of Slinger, went to fight fire in the sky, March 25, 2025 after a brief fight with cancer.
He was born on April 25, 1956, to the late Thomas and Marion Ruetten in Reedsburg, WI. Chuck attended St. Peter Church and School in Slinger and later graduated from Slinger High School. He went on to get his Associate of Applied Science Fire Science degree in June of 2014.
On August 27, 1994, he was united in marriage to Janice Zuchowski at the Slinger Fire Station Slinger, WI and then on February 19, 2005 had the marriage blessed at St. Peter Catholic Church in Slinger, WI.
Chuck was a dedicated volunteer for over 25 years for Slinger Fire department from 1985 till his retirement in 2012. Throughout his years of service at Slinger fire department, he held many roles, fire fighter, lieutenant, captain, Fire Inspector, Assistant Chief and ultimately was elected as our Fire Chief in 2007.
Chuck owned and operated the Slinger Dairy Queen for 17 years. He always talked about how much he loved his employees and enjoyed the customer interaction.
After selling the Dairy Queen in 1999 he was hired by the Jackson Fire department as a Fire & Police Service Assistant and held several positions until he retired as Fire Marshal in 2020. He always said he had the best of both worlds volunteering for Slinger Fire department while working at Jackson Fire department.
Chuck was deeply passionate about fire education and was heavily involved in training, ensuring that both the departments and the communities were prepared and educated in fire safety. He inspired countless members of both departments, paving a path for them to follow in his footsteps. His leadership, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the safety will never be forgotten. He was a true pillar of strength, guidance, and dedication for all who worked alongside him.
While fighting fires and fire prevention was his passion after retirement, he and Janice traveled extensively taking weeklong road trips all over the US many inspired by the shows they watch.
Chuck will be sorely missed by those who loved him, but we take solace in the fact that he has gone to a better place and not suffering anymore.
Those Chuck leaves behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Janice Ruetten; sister-in-law, Cyndi Ruetten; brother-in-law Mark Norlander; nieces, nephews; other relatives and many, many friends.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Tom Ruetten, sister Sharon Norlander, brother Richard Ruetten and many friends.
The family would like to thank the staff at Froedtert West Bend Hospital ICU for the exceptional care and attention they provided to Chuck
A special thank you to the numerous friends and family who supported Chuck during his journey, Slinger Fire Department and Jackson Fire Department.
Come and hoist a shot to celebrate his life at Phillip Funeral Home (1420 W Paradise Dr. West Bend, WI 53095) on Sunday, April 13, 2025 from 11:00am until 4:00pm. A Bell Service and Fireman Walk Thru will be at 3:00pm.
A private family interment will be held at New St. Peter Cemetery at a later date.
He was born on April 25, 1956, to the late Thomas and Marion Ruetten in Reedsburg, WI. Chuck attended St. Peter Church and School in Slinger and later graduated from Slinger High School. He went on to get his Associate of Applied Science Fire Science degree in June of 2014.
On August 27, 1994, he was united in marriage to Janice Zuchowski at the Slinger Fire Station Slinger, WI and then on February 19, 2005 had the marriage blessed at St. Peter Catholic Church in Slinger, WI.
Chuck was a dedicated volunteer for over 25 years for Slinger Fire department from 1985 till his retirement in 2012. Throughout his years of service at Slinger fire department, he held many roles, fire fighter, lieutenant, captain, Fire Inspector, Assistant Chief and ultimately was elected as our Fire Chief in 2007.
Chuck owned and operated the Slinger Dairy Queen for 17 years. He always talked about how much he loved his employees and enjoyed the customer interaction.
After selling the Dairy Queen in 1999 he was hired by the Jackson Fire department as a Fire & Police Service Assistant and held several positions until he retired as Fire Marshal in 2020. He always said he had the best of both worlds volunteering for Slinger Fire department while working at Jackson Fire department.
Chuck was deeply passionate about fire education and was heavily involved in training, ensuring that both the departments and the communities were prepared and educated in fire safety. He inspired countless members of both departments, paving a path for them to follow in his footsteps. His leadership, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the safety will never be forgotten. He was a true pillar of strength, guidance, and dedication for all who worked alongside him.
While fighting fires and fire prevention was his passion after retirement, he and Janice traveled extensively taking weeklong road trips all over the US many inspired by the shows they watch.
Chuck will be sorely missed by those who loved him, but we take solace in the fact that he has gone to a better place and not suffering anymore.
Those Chuck leaves behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Janice Ruetten; sister-in-law, Cyndi Ruetten; brother-in-law Mark Norlander; nieces, nephews; other relatives and many, many friends.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Tom Ruetten, sister Sharon Norlander, brother Richard Ruetten and many friends.
The family would like to thank the staff at Froedtert West Bend Hospital ICU for the exceptional care and attention they provided to Chuck
A special thank you to the numerous friends and family who supported Chuck during his journey, Slinger Fire Department and Jackson Fire Department.
Come and hoist a shot to celebrate his life at Phillip Funeral Home (1420 W Paradise Dr. West Bend, WI 53095) on Sunday, April 13, 2025 from 11:00am until 4:00pm. A Bell Service and Fireman Walk Thru will be at 3:00pm.
A private family interment will be held at New St. Peter Cemetery at a later date.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles Ruetten, please visit our flower store.
Services
Visitation
April
13
Phillip Funeral Home Chapel
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Bell Service & Fireman Walk Thru
April
13
Phillip Funeral Home Chapel
Starts at 3:00 pm
Private Family
Charles Ruetten's Guestbook
Visits: 4
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