Walter Johnathan Rutz

Walter Johnathan Rutz, 85, of Brussels, passed away Saturday, October 11, 2025 at his home.

He was born March 16, 1940 in Sturgeon Bay, the son of the late Walter and Lorraine (Herlache) Rutz, Sr. Walter grew up in Sturgeon Bay until he turned seven years old when his family moved to the family farm in 1947 in the Town of Gardner. He graduated from Brussels High School in 1958 before attending school at NWTC for auto mechanics.

On March 18, 1967 he married the love of his life, Susan Selhausen.

Walter worked for the Door County Highway Department for 10 years before taking over the family farm in 1979. He and Susan had three children, Andrew, Anthony, and Kathleen. He retired from farming in 2006.

Wally was a member of the Eagles Club, Gardner Town Board, and enjoyed time commercial fishing.

Surviving family include his wife, Sue Rutz; three children and their families, Andrew (Cheryl) Rutz, Anthony (Genine) Rutz, and Kathleen (Larry) Ash; four grandchildren, Emily (Andrew) Mantz, MaKayla Ash, Elizabeth Walker, and Nathaniel Berna ; great-grandchildren, Ella Walker, Eli Walker, and Norah Maas; and one brother, Thomas (fiancé, Susan Pfannenstiel) Rutz.

Private funeral services will be held.

The family would like to thank the hospice nurses who took care of him during these final days.

Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Walter may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.HuehnsFuneralHome.com.

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