Glenn Francis Ruthenbeck

In Loving Memory

Glenn Francis Ruthenbeck

January 10, 1935 – July 4, 2023

Glenn Francis Ruthenbeck born January 10, 1935, to Walter and Iona Ruthenbeck in Joliet, Illinois. He resided in New Lenox, Illinois for all 88 years of his life. Glenn passed away peacefully on July 4, 2023, at Sunny Hill Nursing Home of Will County.

Glenn was preceded in death by his first wife, Annis Lee (nee Baers) Ruthenbeck; his parents, Walter and Iona Ruthenbeck; great grandson, Tyler Beard; and daughter Kristina (Mark) Lawless. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Karen (nee Wade) Ruthenbeck. Glenn leaves behind his sister, Carol Dombkowski and two amazing daughters, Kathryn Ruthenbeck and Kim (Geoffrey) Greiner. He is remembered by eight grandchildren, Nikkole (Matt) Nevin, Justin (Stacey) Greiner, Hillary (Steven) Jordan, Emily (Kitt) Kopach, Collin (Becca) Greiner, Megan (Mike) Lawrence, Sarah (Nat) Emmett, and Danny Lawless. His legacy continues through fifteen great-grandchildren; Shawn, Brendan, Riley, Justin, Jackson, Caleb, Mason, Asher, Dash, Tate, Tessa, Kyla, Vera, Kieran, and Murphy. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren called him “Buddy”, a nickname given him by Emily.

Glenn attended Joliet Township High School where he was a drummer in the band and had the opportunity to march in President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s inaugural parade. Following graduation, Glenn served our country for two years in the United States Marines. He returned to New Lenox after his service and farmed until his retirement. Glenn’s favorite pastime was fishing, an activity many of his grandchildren and great grandchildren were able to enjoy with him. Glenn was a jovial man who loved cracking jokes and making people laugh.

Later in life, Glenn joined Karen in going to church. From the outside, no one could tell, but on the inside, the Lord was drawing his heart closer to Him day by day. Even during the pain from his surgeries, Glenn was filled with the joy of Christ. Glenn was blessed to go from his wife’s loving arms into Jesus’ loving arms for eternity.

Services will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Crystal Lawns Church of the Nazarene, 2424 Caton Farm Rd, Joliet, IL 60435. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with a funeral service immediately following. A luncheon will be served at the church following the funeral service. The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of memorial contributions to Crystal Lawns Church of the Nazarene, 2424 Caton Farm Rd, Joliet, IL 60435.