Joseph Ruthart

Joseph Ruthart, 85, of Lehigh, died Saturday, March 12, 2011, at Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge.

Joseph's wishes were to be cremated. Memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at Carson - Stapp Funeral Home in Dayton. Pastor Richard Laird will officiate. Flag presentation will conducted by the Donald Harper Post #5720 V.F.W. of Lehigh. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Burial will be at West Lawn Cemetery in Lehigh at a later date.

Joseph Ruthart was born on March 18, 1925, in Zookspur, Iowa, the son of Ludwig and Josephine (Shober) Ruthart. He attended Lehigh Schools. Following his education, Joe enlisted in the United States Army and served his country during WWII. In July of 1947, Joe was united in marriage to Mary LaVonne Runyon in Lehigh. Joe worked for 32 years at Lehigh Sewer Pipe & Tile until the plant closed.

Joe was an avid outdoorsmen and enjoyed trapping and fishing on the Des Moines River. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include one daughter, Jolene Fritts of Lehigh, Iowa; two sons, Victor Ruthart of Sweetwater, Texas, and Gayle (Donelle) Ruthart of Lehigh, Iowa; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a sister, Sophia Johnson of Fort Dodge, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary LaVonne Ruthart on September 16, 1995; granddaughter, Anne Fritts; two brothers; and three sisters.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.