Carleton Ray Rutan was born December 23, 1943 in Danville, Illinois to Martha E. (Farnsworth) Rutan and Emmett (Shorty) E. Rutan. He died on March 21, 2020 at OSF Heart of Mary in Urbana while surrounded by family. Carl was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Richard Rutan; and two children, Michael and Sunny in Germany. Carl enlisted in the US Army in 1962, and served during the Vietnam War. He was a driver stationed in Germany. Carl was a “Jack-of-all-trades,” and held jobs as a steelworker, heavy equipment operator, welder, electrician, plumber, semi-truck driver, automotive technician, and inventor.
He enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting, leather working, hunting, reading, and building things. He loved singing karaoke with his wife and daughters. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carl never knew a stranger. It didn’t matter where he was, he would find someone he knew (or maybe didn’t know yet!) and spend time chatting.
Carl married Lucy Emily (Dufour) on July 20, 1975. He has three surviving daughters: Millie (Tony) Carl, April (William) Gilbert, and Mary (Jacob) Miller. Carl is also survived by seven grandchildren: Nick & Sid Carl, Kristian (Lyn) Gilbert, Jonathan & Raymond Gilbert, and Kadence & Gryphon Miller. He also has two surviving great-grandsons, Oliver & Louie Gilbert.
His service will be private on August 5 due to COVID-19 restrictions. The family will host a lunch at 3:00pm at Sarge’s Tap in Danville. Flowers can be sent to the family at 613 South Street Danville, IL 61832 prior to the service. Donations can be made in Carl’s name to the Wounded Warriors Project.
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