Bruce Henry Riutta, 67, passed away on January 24, 2012 at St Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Houston, Texas due to complications from open heart surgery. He was born October 14, 1944 in Hancock, Michigan to the late Emil and Elma (Saarela) Riutta. Bruce was an Engineer, Vice President and Owner of Upper Lakes Coal Company and Fox River Dock Company since 1983. He received his BSME from Michigan Technological University (MTU) in 1967. An accomplished athlete, Bruce was a member of the 1968 US Olympic Hockey Team in Grenoble, France; a member of the 1965 MTU NCAA Hockey Championship team and a two time All American Hockey Player for MTU. Bruce shared his love of hockey by coaching/mentoring Ashwaubenon hockey players for 25 years with many championships. He was inducted into the MTU Sports Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. Bruce was also a member of the Green Bay Bobcats (USHL) for eight years. In addition to his passion for hockey, Bruce enjoyed golf, football, engineering and spending time with his family at the cottage. He was "Mr. Fix It" and the "Gadget-Man," who liked to innovate. He was a loving, gentle spirit who loved spending time with his family and beloved pets. He enjoyed playing golf every Thursday with his friends at Oneida Golf & Country Club. Bruce also enjoyed spending time with friends at Citrus Park in Bonita Springs, Florida.
Bruce's business accomplishments were numerous. He was a member of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and his vision and fortitude had a positive impact on the City of Green Bay and its port system.
He is survived by his loving wife Jane Marie; a son, Barry (Kathy) Riutta and their daughter, Natalie; three daughters, Shelley Riutta, Vanessa (Aaron) Backer and their daughter, Emerson and Erin Riutta and friend, Kyle Bardouche. He is further survived by his stepchildren, Shawn (Laurie) Beauparlant, Ryan (Valorie) Beauparlant and step grandchildren, Emily and Jacob Moen and Rachel and Alissa Berg; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, best friend and coach, David Riutta.
We extend a special thank you to Dr. Raymond Bachhuber of Aurora Health Center, Dr. Thomas Cain of Thoracic Vascular, and Dr. Joseph Coselli and Dr. Casara of Baylor Medical College in Houston, Texas along with all the angel nurses who cared for him during the last few weeks of his life. Our heartfelt gratitude to all of our friends and family who have prayed so diligently and often for Bruce and his family.
Visitation will take place at Lyndahl Funeral Home on Friday, January 27, 2012 from 4pm until 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, January 28 at 11:00 at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, 2270 S. Oneida Street, with Rev. John Becker presiding. There will be no prior visitation at the church.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Bruce's name.
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