Robert L. Rutter, Jr.

Robert Rutter, Jr.
July 31, 1944 - September 6, 2019

   Robert Leslie Rutter, Jr., 75 of Toledo, Ohio passed away Friday, September 6, 2019 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg, Ohio.
   He was born July 31, 1944 in Clovis, New Mexico to the late Robert L. and Velma Jean (Wells) Rutter.  His father was enlisted in the Armed Forces and stationed in New Mexico.
   Bob was a graduate of the Class of 1962 at Deshler High School and took some secondary education.  He enlisted in the Air National Guard and was called to active duty during the Vietnam War with the U.S. Air Force.  He served his country from 1966-1971.
   He was previously married to Rebecca Betts and they were later divorced.  Together they had two daughters who survive: Susan (Dave) Zimmerman of La Pine, Oregon and Catherine Rutter (Tom VanStavern) of Columbus, Ohio.  He is also survived by a grandson, Luke VanStavern and two sisters, Debra (Don) Busch, of Holgate, Ohio and Cynthia (Larry) Knepley, of Holgate, Ohio.
   He was preceded in death by two brothers, James Phillip Rutter and William “Rebel” Rutter.
   Bob worked his first career in sales with Ferguson Plumbing Supply of Holland, Ohio.  His true passion came with his second career, working with Penske Motor Sports as a Vendor Manager based out of Michigan International Speedway, then later from the California Speedway.
   He loved anything to do with motor sports and racing.  Bob spent many countless summer weekends at race tracks around the country spectating, working, acting as Pit Crew Chief with his comrades in racing, and even racing himself, most successfully as a driver on a race team that won the prestigious 24-Hours at Nelson Ledges. He traveled extensively, loved a great road trip, and enjoyed the opportunities to meet new people, share a conversation with anyone and continue to be the well-rounded, curious individual he was.
   He was a member of the Sports Car Club of America and enjoyed popping in on the Deshler Men’s Association to see former classmates and boyhood friends.  He liked to root for the Detroit Pistons, Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Browns.  He played golf and participated in Men’s League Basketball while living in Toledo.  More recently, in his retirement, Bob enjoyed being a grandfather and traveled many times to Oregon to visit his daughter.
   Bob will be missed, and always remembered for his personable nature and his enthusiastic conversations on all topics.  Those who knew him will always be able to picture his smile and hear his laugh.
   Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 13 at Feehan-Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler with Fr. Kevin Maney officiating. Graveside services with military honors will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Deshler.
   Visitation will be from 9:30-11 a.m. prior to the services.
   The family suggests memorials to Hospice of NW Ohio.  http://www.hospicenwo.org

   www.feehanrodenbergerfuneralhome.com

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