Thomas H. Ruuttila

MARQUETTE, Mich. - Thomas H. Ruuttila, age 75, of Ontonagon passed away on May 12, 2024 at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette.

Tom was born in Ontonagon to Theodore and Pearl (Kemila) Ruuttila on October 18, 1948. He was raised on the family farm in Green, where he enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing and boating. Much of Tom's youth involved activities as a member of the Busy Bee 4H Club. Tom graduated from the Ontonagon High School in 1966.

He worked for two years in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for the Wisconsin Air Cooled Engines Company. On June 4, 1968, Tom entered the United States Army, and served in Korea (peace time) during the Vietnam era. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), and the Marksman (M-14 Rifle) medal. He was honorably discharged with a permanent disability on October 23, 1970, Tom was a lifetime member of the DAV, Disabled American Veterans.

Tom is survived by his sisters, Margaret (Gary) Byrnes and Marie (James) Kinnunen of Ontonagon; Sister-in-law Helen Ruuttila of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania; nephews, Bryan Byrnes of Ontonagon, and Scott (Lisa) Byrnes of Whitewater, Wisconsin; nieces, Sarah (Sean) Ruuttila-Olson of Ironwood, and Kariina (Ryan) Holihan of Ontonagon. He is further survived by his great-nephews, Timmy and Teddy (Kate) Minier of Ironwood, and Lincoln, Chet, and Jed Holihan of Ontonagon; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Paul W. Ruuttila; and sister-in-law, Freda Ruuttila.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 17, at Cane Funeral Home in Ontonagon with visitation from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and service to follow. Burial will occur at the Riverside Cemetery immediately following the funeral, with OCVA Honors presence.

Memorial donations may be made to Ontonagon County 4H, 725 Greenland Rd., Ontonagon, MI 49953.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers of New Beginnings AFC in Ontonagon, the staff, nurses and doctors at D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, and the Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice in Marquette for the wonderful care and assistance given to Tom.

Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.