John Rutan

John F. Rutan, Sr.
Des Moines

John F. Rutan, Sr., 82, of Des Moines, Iowa went Home to be with The Lord at 5:42 a.m. Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at Mercy Hospice-Johnston surrounded by family. Following a long courageous battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a rare blood disorder affecting fewer than 200,000 people worldwide, John’s wish was to be cremated and laid to rest with his wife Betty (Kern) Rutan of 58 years. A Graveside Committal Service and Celebration of Life will be held privately among family and friends at a date to be announced.

Born December 5, 1933 in Des Moines, Iowa to Charles and Cora (Clouse) Rutan, John was a life-long resident of Des Moines. Though proud of his country roots, John decided to pursue a career off the family farm in the transportation industry, hauling various freight, including tank truck (NTTC) and box, both regionally and long-haul. During his tenure, John logged more than 2 million collision-free miles while honored with multiple safe driver awards. He later retired from Schwerman Trucking Company.

John loved and admired his family most with his love of classic cars and western movies a close second. In his spare time John enjoyed camping, fishing, watching sports, and traveling the countryside while listening to his favorite music artists such as Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Hank Williams, and Faron Young. Full of zest for life, John was a jokester who loved to tell stories and reminisce about his extraordinary days on the road and sometimes perpetually but never boring. He had a witty sense of humor with a great deal of compassion for the working class and Teamsters Union.

Left to cherish his memory are his sons, John Jr. (Julie), Ken (Carma), and Charles; daughters Rena, Debra Sue, Bettelou, and Peggy Lynn, all Des Moines, Iowa natives; brothers Ron and Clifford Gibson; sister, Dorothy Dawson; and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

The family would like to express a heartfelt “thank you” to Dr. Elhaddad of the Oncology Center of Iowa, as well as the dedicated nursing staff of Mercy Wound Infusion Center and Mercy Hospice-Johnston for the remarkable ambulatory, palliative, and hospice care.

We rejoice in the extraordinary life John was privileged to live and feel grateful for such an admirable father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and husband.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation online at http://www.aamds.org.

Those interested in a Tribute Book to include his life story may leave contact information at 515-868-9300.

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