Gerard Ruttendjie

Gerry was born to Theodore and Anna Ruttendjie on June 29, 1941 in Malang, Indonesia. Theodore Ruttendjie was killed during the Japanese invasion of the Dutch East Indies in 1942; thereafter, Gerry and his family were moved to a concentration camp outside Malang. After the war, his mother married Frans Tenhoopen. Gerry joined the Dutch Royal Army in the late 1950’s. In 1962 Gerry and his family relocated to Chicago, IL.

A graduate of Roosevelt University, Gerry began a career in accounting advancing to the level of Controller at Walter E. Heller & Company. While at Heller he met his wife, Rita with whom he shared a loving 53-year marriage. Gerry and Rita were deeply devoted to each other.

Always young at heart with a memorable sense of humor, Gerry was affectionately called ‘Uncle Kid’ by his nieces and nephews. He was known for his love of playing practical jokes on friends and family members. He would be the first to get a room full of people laughing and singing together. A man of many diverse interests, Gerry loved traveling, listening to mariachi music, preparing gourmet-style wine-paired meals, and enjoying his giftedness in landscaping his property. He was known for promoting the wise advice of making memories rather than buying gifts.

Gerry is survived by his beloved wife Rita Ruttendjie, brothers Walter (the late Lillian) Tenhoopen, Francois (Linda) Tenhoopen, Joseph (Jeanie) Tenhoopen, along with many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews and even the next generation of the “great-greats” as they affectionately call themselves. Gerry was predeceased by his mother Anna Tenhoopen, stepfather Frans Tenhoopen and brother Rudolph (Joanne) Ruttendjie.

Services will be held October 14th at 11AM at St. Joan of Arc at 820 Division St. in Lisle, IL. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Morton Arboretum in Gerry's name