Sam Martin Rutten, 72, of Belgrade, died unexpectedly on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at his home.

Sam, son of Charles “Chic” and Ernie (Zillinger) Rutten, was born on March 1, 1952, in St. Edward. He received the sacrament of baptism and confirmation at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. Sam went to Timbercreek Country School before attending Cedar Rapids High School where he graduated with the class of 1970.

Following graduation, Sam enlisted in the United States Air Force as a medic. He was deployed with the Army to the swamps of southern South Vietnam. He then came back to Omaha, and in his third year, he was deployed to Thailand where he met Seeta Kack Kum Pookow. They were married in Thailand in 1973. Following his honorable discharge on Oct. 3, 1974, the couple moved back to the U.S. They had two sons together, Toma and Fred. Sam attended college at Kearney State College, studying wildlife management. After a while, Sam moved back home to work at Adee Honey as the manager. He worked there until his accident in 2012, which tragically left him paralyzed. Sam worked alongside Janet Moody at the bee house. The two became close and enjoyed spending their time together. Janet became Sam’s significant other and later his caretaker.

Sam was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. He was very active in the Dan Cox American Legion Post 44, the NRA, and spent a large sum of money with the Nebraska Game and Parks over the years, buying deer tags for him and his family members. Sam was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, catching turtles, and going sightseeing. Sam had never met a stranger before in his life. If his family went anywhere and mentioned they were from Cedar Rapids, they would always hear “do you know Sam Rutten?” He was kind, funny, and a little onery. He loved taking the kids to race their turtles in Ericson and spending time with the kids in his life. He loved to take all the kids, nieces, nephews, and any kids in town that would go, fishing, exploring, and then ending their day with a bonfire and weiny roast at “The Island”.

Sam is survived by his son Fred (Carol Ryckman) Rutten of Cedar Rapids, daughter-in-law Nena Rutten of Cedar Rapids, grandchildren: Kaimyn, Hunter, Samantha, Aleczander, Xaiver and William Rutten, all of Cedar Rapids, siblings: Ben Rutten, Jay (Sylvia) Rutten, and Kim (Dan) Schilousky, all of Cedar Rapids, sister-in-law Carmen Rutten of McCool Junction, Janet’s children: Jeni (Kyle) Litz of Monroe, Jesse (Sam) Robinson and Tina (Eric) Macdonald, all of of Genoa, and her 13 grandchildren, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, son Toma Rutten, significant other Janet Moody, brother Dave Rutten, nephews: Paul and Chad Rutten.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, March 22, 2024, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with Fr. Mark Tomasiewicz officiating. Interment was at the Sunrise Cemetery in Cedar Rapids with Military Rites conducted by Dan Cox American Legion Post 44 of Cedar Rapids, the Air Force Funeral Honor Guard and the American Legion Riders.

Levander Funeral Home of Albion was in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.levanderfuneralhome.com.