James A. Rueter, Sr., 87, of Burlington, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Pine Brook Pointe with his family by his side. He was born on July 10, 1936, in Burlington, to Andrew A. and Margaret C. (Warren) Rueter. He was educated at St. Mary’s Schools in Burlington, after which time he joined the U.S. Army with his buddies. He spent his tour of duty in Germany from 1954 to 1956.
On Jan. 11, 1958, James married Marilynn G. Krien at St. Mary’s Church in Kansasville. He and Marilynn spent the next 40 years raising their family in Burlington. He was a volunteer firefighter for the City of Burlington Fire Department Hose Company #2 for twenty-five years. He also was a member of American Legion Post 318 of Lake Tomahawk, WI for 35 years. James had a partnership in Caesar and Jim’s Sportsman’s Bar for several years in the 1970’s where he shared his sense of humor, always having a joke or prank ready. He retired from the State of Wisconsin Southern Center in Union Grove in 1996 and then moved to Northern Wisconsin, spending many years negotiating at rummage and garage sales. He and Marilynn spent many hours pontooning with family and good friends on the Rainbow Flowage. They returned to Burlington in 2017.
James is survived by his daughter Julie M. (Timothy) Dexter; sons, James A. Jr. (Debra), Steven J. (Lisa), and Daniel E. (Amy); grandchildren, Amy (Vince) Devall, Keith (Sara) Dexter, Jeffrey (Marci) Rueter, Jennifer (Karl) Schenning, Kristen (Josh) Hegemann, Katie (Justin) VanBeckum, Kellen (Kaitlyn) Rueter, Danielle (Bob) Schmidt, Nolan and Alison (Cole) Kresken, Abbie (Ross) Wehner, and Kasey (Mack) Jordan; great-grandchildren, Remi and Hailey Dexter, Skylar and Teagan Devall, Landon, Nora and Maddie Rueter, Otto Schenning, Cameron and Brynlee Hegemann, Levi and Lincoln VanBeckum, Wesley and Eli Schmidt, Bryce, Claire and Cate Wehner, Ella, Maggie and Hallie Jordan, and Rueter great-grandchild 21 on the way in October; along with many granddogs. He is further survived by sister-in-law Patricia (Gene Hafermann) Kranz, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Andrew Rueter; mother, Margaret Rueter; wife, Marilynn Rueter; sister and brother-in-law Jean (Ollie) Winkler; sister, Joan Bercher; brother, John M. Rueter; father and mother-in-law, Harold Krien and Agnes Krien Reesman; step father-in-law, Albert Reesman; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Paul and Nancy Krien, brother-in-law, Thomas Krien, and nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Aurora Hospice Care, especially Beth Derks, and all the caregivers at Pine Brook Pointe.
Memorials can be made to the City of Burlington Fire Department Volunteer Firefighters Association or the American Legion Post 318 of Lake Tomahawk.
In accord with his wishes, cremation will take place. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Dan and Amy’s home. A private burial service will be held at Wilderness Rest Cemetery in Lake Tomahawk.
“Why don’t they play poker in the jungle?”
“Because there are too many Cheetahs”
Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home is serving the family. Well-wishers may visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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