Randy Rutzen

Randy L. Rutzen of Antigo, WI passed away at his home on March 27, 2021 under the care of his family and LeRoyer Hospice. He was 65 years old. Randy was born in Worthington, MN on November 25, 1955 to the late Marvin and Elsie (Collier) Rutzen. On May 11, 1973 he was united in marriage to Rebecca Lundgren in Memphis, MO. She preceded him in death on April 19, 2009. The couple resided in California for 17 years before moving back to Worthington, MN after Randy’s retirement from the Navy. Randy served in the US Navy as a chief boiler tech for 30 years. His last 6 years in the Navy were spent as an instructor. He also worked as a security guard, fire chief, maintenance supervisor, and medi-van driver. He brought joy to many kids by portraying Santa Clause over the course of 25 years. Randy enjoyed all the places he traveled to while serving in the Navy. These locations included Australia, Hawaii, Japan, and the Philippines among many others. He was fond of sharing the story of his adventures with anyone who would listen. He loved fishing, camping, gambling, and gathering as a family. He was enthusiastically active working on the family farm. He was an avid TV watcher and a fan of western movies and shows. He was a dedicated collector of miniatures, Navy memorabilia, guns, eagles, and bears. In his mind he also collected family history and was the keeper of many family stories. Randy was a passionate pet owner and loved his many fur-babies over the years. Randy is survived by his children; Chad (Angela Anderson) Rutzen of Kronenwetter, WI, Tina (Matt) Arrowood of Bryant, WI, and Chet (Hannah Tackett) Rutzen of Antigo, WI, grandchildren; Dylan Rutzen, Harley Anderson, Dominik Rutzen, and Alyvia Rutzen, siblings; Ray (Dawn) Rutzen of Ashton, IA, Ryan (Stacy) Rutzen of Worthington, MN, Rhonda Rutzen of Windom, MN, Renee Dayton of Antigo, WI, and Robert (Jennifer) Rutzen of Manhattan, IL. Randy was also very close with his many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, Randy was preceded in death by a sister; Roxanne, a daughter; Catherine, and his in-laws; Sydney and Ruth Lundgren. A funeral service for Randy will take place on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Benson Funeral Home in Worthington, MN. Visitation will take place prior to the service from 10:30 to 11:00 AM on Wednesday at Benson Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service at Memory Garden Cemetery in Worthington. Strasser-Roller Funeral Home of Antigo, WI and Benson Funeral Home of Worthington, MN is assisting the family. The family would also like to offer their heart-felt thanks and appreciation to the LeRoyer Hospice team.