RICHARD RUTGERS, age 88, of Brewster, passed away with family present on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Ava's House Hospice in Sioux Falls, SD. Richard was born February 10, 1937, in Worthington, MN, to Bernard and Effie (Zylstra) Rutgers. He was baptized in the Christian Reformed Church, where later as a young adult he made a public profession of faith, accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Richard attended country school through the 8th grade, then attended Brewster High School. As a young man he served his country by joining the Army Reserves from 1957 until his honorable discharge in 1963. Richard and Clarice Elsing were united in marriage on May 16, 1962. To this union were born five children. Richard and Clarice farmed at various locations including Adrian, Fulda, and Round Lake, MN, before moving to Lake Park, IA, where Richard was employed at the local John Deere dealer. He later worked as a hired man for Bernard Gransta near Harris, IA. While living in Iowa, he was nicknamed Dick. In 1974, Richard's father gave him the opportunity to come back to Brewster and work the family farm, where he remained until his death. Richard was a lifelong member of the Christian Reformed Church. He enjoyed attending Worthington sale barns and area auctions, often coming home with more stuff than he really needed. He also enjoyed watching basketball, the NFL, and the Minnesota Vikings... which he loved to complain about. He loved all the little people, his own grandchildren, great grandchildren, and of course, everyone else's. Richard is survived by his five children, Carla (Randy) Schmidt, Worthington, MN; Ryan (Bonnie) Rutgers, Tyler, MN; Roger (Jennifer) Rutgers, Mendota Heights, MN; Renae Hatcher, Wilson, OK; and Valerie (Duane) Kukowski, Badger, MN; sixteen grandchildren; one step-grandchild: five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Garet (Janis) Rutgers, Alamosa, CO; and Myron (friend, Peggy) Rutgers, Alamosa, CO; sister, Lois Brink, Spring, TX; In-laws, Vonnie (Harold) Rutgers, Ruth (Harold) Dykstra, Phyllis (Dennis) Meyer, Jim (Barb) Elsing, and Don (Ellen) Eide: and many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Clarice; an infant grandson, John Michael Kukowski; two brothers, John and Harold Rutgers; a sister, Clarlyn (Rutgers) Green; In-laws, Dorthy (John) Rutgers, Rena (Garet) Rutgers, Ellen (Elsing) Eide, Eunice (Elsing) Ailts, Patricia (Myron) Rutgers, Barb Elsing, Owen (Clarlyn) Green, and Robert (Eunice) Ailts; an infant brother; and a young sister.

Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Tuesday, May 27 at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Worthington, MN with viewing only; and also one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral will be 10 am Wednesday, May 28 at the Christian Reformed Church, in Worthington, officiated by Pastor Chad Werkhoven. Burial will be in the Hersey Cemetery, Brewster, MN.