Everett Ruchotzke

EVERETT JOHN RUCHOTZKE

Columbus Junction

Everett John Ruchotzke, 88, of Columbus Junction, passed away Monday, June 26, 2017, in Colonial Manor. He battled Alzheimer's disease for the past 10 years with support from his loving caregiver, Barb Wiebel.

A private family inurnment will take place in the Columbus City Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to join a memorial service honoring Everett on Sunday, July 2, at 4 p.m. at the American Legion building

in Columbus Junction.

Everett was born in Cedar County on March 21, 1929, to Edward and Ida (Luettjohann) Ruchotzke. Everett learned how to work, helping on the farm, at an early age, along with his four sisters and one brother. He graduated from Clarence High School in 1946. Everett married Patti Maring Colvin on Feb. 26, 1949. They were married for 44 years.

Family includes two daughters, two sons-in-law, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Everett is survived by Pam and Don Brown of Lone Tree, Nathan Brown of Madison, Wis., Natalie, Bill, William and Bohn Sparboe, all of Longmont, Colo., Debbi and Randy Murry of Columbus Junction, Jeremiah, Sara and Calla Murry, all of Iowa City, and Jonathan Murry of Columbus Junction. Survivors also include sisters, Elda (Larry) Licht of Clarence and Eloise (Mike) Vacek of Oxford Junction; and several nieces and nephews.

Everett was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patti Ruchotzke; sisters, Elizabeth Wiebel and Evelyn Wiebel; and brother, Eldon Ruchotzke.

After losing his first love, Everett was blessed with Barbara Wiebel to love and share his life. This extended Everett's family to include Barb's children, stepchildren, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Everett spent his career managing L-W FS for 29 years. He enjoyed building the business from a small gas station to several facilities throughout the counties. After retirement, Everett helped his son-in-law plant and harvest crops. Everett enjoyed golf, cards, friends and family, and spending winters in Las Vegas. Putting on black and gold to attend Hawkeye football and basketball games was a passion of Everett's! He served on the Cedarcrest Country Club board and was a member of CJ United Methodist Church and FS Pioneer Club.

And now, closing with a famous Everett quote seems appropriate, "I am ready to go whenever you are!"

Goodbye Everett, we love you, we will miss you!