Donald "Don" Rutten

Donald “Don” Rutten, age 65, of Parkers Prairie, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at his home.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, August 28, 2023, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie with Rev. Kirk Lee officiating.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Donald Christian Rutten was born to Thomas and Caroline (Fuchs) Rutten in Alexandria. He spent his childhood on the Rutten family farm near Osakis. His education spanned the Parochial and Osakis Public schools, graduating from Osakis High School in 1979. Over the years, Don took on various roles in local employment. He found love and married Nancy Walker on August 25, 1984, in Carlos. Together, they settled in the area and began their family journey. Professionally, Don dedicated himself to the manufacturing sector until his early retirement in 2009, prompted by health challenges. In his youthful days, Don had a love for fast cars, motorcycles, snowmobiling, and 4-wheeling. In his later years, his passions shifted to fishing, grilling, and taking pride in mowing his lawn. Above all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Melvin; and sister-in-law, Michelle Walker.

Don is survived by his wife of 39 years, Nancy Rutten; daughters, Tabitha Rutten of Alexandria and Trisha (Ryan) Syverson of Blaine; brothers, Richard “Dick” (Bernice) Rutten of Sauk Rapids, Robert “Bob” Rutten of Watertown, South Dakota; grandchildren, Jayden, Rylen, Easton, Bryson, and Mason; sisters, Carol (Larry) Hinnekamp of Melrose, Roseanne (John) Majerus of Sartell, and Marilyn Anderson of Osakis; sisters-in-law, Alvina Rutten of Princeton, Diane Buck and Stephanie (Matt) Jacobson both of Elbow Lake, Debra Keller of Miltona, and Jenny (Mark) Mehler of Pennsylvania; brother-in-law, Danny (Sandra) Walker of New Jersey; along with many nieces and nephews.