John H. Ruehter

John Henry Ruehter was born June 18, 1931 in Higginsville, Missouri and departed this life on February 1, 2021 at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Missouri, at the age of 89 years, 7 months and 14 days.

He was the son of George H. and Julia M. (Stedem) Ruehter.

The Ruehter family lived in Higginsville until John was 8 years old, when they moved to Lexington, Missouri. John graduated from Lexington High School in 1949. On January 9, 1951, John joined the United States Air Force and proudly served his country until January 8, 1955. Later, John joined the Air Force Reserves and served until January 9, 1989, retiring as Chief Master Sergeant.

On June 23, 1953, John was united in marriage with Elizabeth Ann Briggle in Sherman, Texas. After their marriage, John and Elizabeth lived in Sherman until 1964, then moved to Independence, Missouri. On February 29, 1968, John and Elizabeth moved to their farm in Pleasant Hill, Missouri to make their home.

John worked civil service with the Air Force retiring in 1982 and, farmed for over 30 years.

John was a member of St. Bridget Catholic Church, Pleasant Hill, Missouri where he belonged to the Knights of Columbus #13113, serving as Commander of the Honor Guard, Past Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator. He also was Past President of the Rural Fire Association, a member of the Board of Directors for Central CO-OP and, had served as Cass County Commissioner of Zoning for several years. John was a member and past president of the Chief Winnies Travel Club and a member of the State of Missouri Winnebago Travel Club.

One of John’s favorite hobbies was restoring vintage tractors.

John was preceded in death by his parents, George and Julia Ruehter; three brothers, Frank Ruehter, Edward Ruehter and George Ruehter; four sisters, Mary Riley, Katherine Jindra, Virginia Sorenson and Dorothy Barnett.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Elizabeth Ruehter of the home; two sons, John Ruehter and wife Marcella of Omaha, Nebraska and Larry Ruehter and wife Joyce of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; one brother, Jim Ruehter of Lexington, Missouri; one sister, Ann Orear and husband Mike of Grand Pass, Missouri; four grandsons, Kent Ruehter of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Kyle Ruehter and wife Alexandria of Omaha, Nebraska, Keith Ruehter and wife Bobbie of Lee’s Summit, Missouri and David Ruehter of Omaha, Nebraska; one granddaughter, Suzan Lindsey and husband Kevin of Greenwood, Missouri; four Great-Grandsons, two Great-Granddaughters, other relatives and many friends.

Graveside Services for John Henry Ruehter will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 11, 2021 at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery with Father Curt Vogel officiating. Full Military Honors will be provided by the United States Air Force. Masks and social distancing are required.

The family suggests contributions to St. Bridget Catholic Church, 2103 N. Lexington Road, Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080.