Richard Herman Ruetten

RUETTEN, RICHARD H. of Forney, born September 14, 1933, in Scott, Wisconsin, passed away February 19, 2008, in Forney. Richard served his country in the Air Force.He was one of just a few men in the world who were trained to service aviation compasses.He was selected several times to service the advanced avionics of Air Force One.He spent years traveling the country and South Pacific keeping cutting edge airplanes, such as the newly developed B-29 Superfortress, flying straight and true.While stationed on the island of Guam, he endured months of "nothing but chicken" and for the years that followed he swore off "fowl" of any kind.Richard was indeed a man of detail and service, to his country, family and friends.He was retired from the Dallas Bulk Mail Center. He married Dorris Johnson Collins on September 24, 1983. He was preceded in death by his mother, Genevieve Finley. He is survived by his wife, daughters Caren Wensel and Susan Collins of Dallas, sons Michael Collins of Dallas and Mark Collins of Little Elm, granddaughters Nikki Rustad and husband Eric of Fort Worth, Bridget Wensel of New York City, Andrea Collins of Prosper,grandsons Cory Collins of Garland,Christian Collins and Harrison Collins both of Little Elm, great-grandson Callan Rustad of Fort Worth, sisters Marie Finley and Nancy Finley of Wisconsin, and brother Peter Finley and wife Barb of North Dakota, and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 2-4 PM on Sunday, February 24 and services will be at noon on Monday, February 25 at the funeral home; Rev. Don Johnson, officiating.Burial will be in DFW National Cemetery at 2:30 on Monday. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to the SPCA.