Michael W. “Mike” Ruttgen, 71, of Oswego, died October 1, 2023, at Mercy Hospital, in Springfield, Mo. Born September 29, 1952, in Oswego, Mike was the son of Wayne Ruttgen and Carolyn (Smith) Ruttgen. Michael and Teri McClure were united in marriage , January 29, 1983 in Coffeyville. They preceded him in death. Mike was also preceded by a niece, Karen Messenger, brotherin- law, Chuck McClure and Donnie Ruttgen, whom he considered a brother.
Mike graduated from Labette County High School, in Altamont, class of 1970. Following graduation, Mike attended Pittsburg State University until being drafted, where he served in the United States Army from 1972 to 1974. After receiving an Honorable Discharge, Mike returned to Pittsburg State and earned a trade certificate in HVAC. He was employed at Liebert Bros. Electric in Coffeyville as a Heating and Air Conditioning specialist and later at the United States Post Office in Oswego, where he retired in 2017. Mike enjoyed attending tractor shows, auctions and working on the farm.
Mike is survived by his wife; his son Clint (companion Kyndra Reynolds) of Oswego; a sister, Mary Lou Teeselink (her husband, Jim) of Garfield, Arkansas; niece Tina Thomas (Kevin) of Cave Springs, Arkansas; brother- in-law Mike McClure (Jean) Claremore, Okla; nieces Lindsey McClure, Tiya Hill (Rob), and Jackie Hanna (Matt), all of Tulsa, Okla. Callie Clark, of Utah and nephew, Travis McClure, Beaufort, N.C. Sister-in-law Sandie McClure of Tulsa, niece Ashley Hanna of Monument, Colo. and nephew Zac McClure of Tulsa, Okla.
Memorial visitation will be held Saturday, October 14, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Derfelt Funeral Home, in Oswego.
Mike requested that his ashes be scattered on the farm in a private service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the U.S.D. 506 Foundation. The funds will be used to establish a Labette County Trades Scholarship. These contributions can be left at or mailed to Derfelt Funeral Home, 203 Illinois St., Oswego, Ks 67356. Online condolences may be expressed at www. derfeltfuneralhomes.com.