David J. Ruter

David J Ruter, 79, passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at Monroe Hospital after an extended illness, surrounded by his family. He was born on February 12, 1943 to John A. and Martha Ruter in Freeport, IL. David graduated from Forreston High School in 1961. On January 4, 1963 he married the love of his life, Duska Haijenga, at the Forreston Reformed Church. David was a farmer with dairy and grain and had a trucking business for 20 years. He drove trucks at age 16, graduated to semi-trucks and continued driving until September of this year. He gave his life to the Lord as a young man and continued to grow in the knowledge of the Lord. He has been a member of Park Hills Evangelical Free Church for 42 years. He had many leadership positions and taught adult Sunday school classes for 40 years. He and his wife, Duska, also performed with the Praise Team for 10 years. He loved reading the Bible, memorizing scripture, teaching and telling others about our Lord and Saviour. As a young man, it was discovered that he had a beautiful singing voice and had a lot of musical talent. He taught himself how to play the acoustic guitar, bass guitar, banjo and mandolin. He and his wife performed with friends for 10 years and then with just the family for 42 more years, singing and sharing God's word as a message to others. He loved listening to music and could be heard singing and whistling along. Dave enjoyed riding his motorcycle, gardening, playing cards and dominos with his family and friends and watching the Cubs, Bears and Bulls with his wife. He loved spending time with his family, his church family and his friends. David is survived by his wife, Duska, two daughters, Renee (Bruce) Setterstrom of Monroe, WI, and Christine (Craig) Williams of Freeport, IL, his two grandsons, Jacob Setterstrom, and Nicholas Setterstrom, both of Monroe, WI, his brother, Paul Z Ruter of New Paltz, NY, his sister, Marlene Ford and her husband, Brad of Polo, IL and several nephews and nieces. David was preceded in death by his parents, John and Martha Ruter, his parents in law, Robert and Ruby Haijenga, his son, Davin, his brothers-in law, Carroll and Ivan Haijenga, his sister in law, Darla Haijenga, his nephew, Brian Haijenga and his beloved grand dog, Charlie. Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023 from 9:00am - 12:00pm with a service at 12:00pm and luncheon to follow. The visitation will be held at Park Hills Evangelical Free Church in Freeport, IL. A memorial fund has been established. Previous Events Visitation JAN 7. 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CT) Park Hill Evangelical Free Church 2525 W Stephenson St Freeport, IL 61032 Loading map Memorial Service JAN 7. 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM (CT) Park Hill Evangelical Free Church 2525 W Stephenson St Freeport, IL 61032 Loading map