Bill Rueth, 76 of Johnson Creek, passed away on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at his home, after a fierce, 8-year battle with cancer.

Billy Joe Rueth was born on July 8, 1949, in Fort Atkinson, WI, the son of Eugene and Ethel (Allin) Rueth.  He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1968 and married Kathleen Ann Abendroth on June 21, 1969, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jefferson.   The couple enjoyed a day-and-a-half honeymoon, before Bill was drafted on June 23, 1969.  He served in the US Army from 1969 – 1971, stationed mostly at Fort Hood in Killeen, TX.  After his honorable discharge, Bill and Kathy moved back to Jefferson where he was employed at Nestle-Purina for 30 years and retired at age 52.  Bill was a quiet man who kept to himself but had a playful humor.   His grandchildren appreciated his “dad jokes” deeply.  An avid outdoorsman, many days were spent fishing bodies of water and hunting the area fields and woods.  Above all else, time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren is what pleased Bill most.  He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by: his wife of 56 years Kathy Rueth of Johnson Creek; sons Jason Rueth of Polson, MT and Joseph (Tami) Rueth of Ogema;  grandchildren Christopher (Amanda), Jazlynn, Cayle (Aly), and Sebastion; 3 great-grandchildren Brinley, Bennett, and Elyac; and his 6 siblings Sheary (Jim), Jane, John (Donna), Mark (Sherri), Mary (Jim), and Paul.  Bill is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

 Bill is preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life will be held at 12:00PM on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Olsen-Gibson Funeral Home.  Visitation will be from 10:00AM until the time of service.  Military Honors will follow the service also at the funeral home.