Bruce A. Rhutasel

OREGON - Bruce Allen Rhutasel, age 84, of Oregon, passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Madison. He was born on April 12, 1941, the son of Fred and Vera (Stone) Rhutasel. He married Sharon Smith on February 13, 1959.

Bruce graduated from New Lisbon High School in 1959, after which he embarked on a path of dedicated technical school studies through the United States Navy. In the early 1960’s technology was just changing from transistors to electronics. His training in cutting edge electronics influenced his career path throughout his life.

Bruce was a Petty Officer 2nd Class, FT (fire technician) in the U.S. Navy from 1959 - 1963. His service included the invasion of the Bay of Pigs in 1961 and the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.

Bruce began his career at NCR (National Cash Register, Co.) using his naval training to sell and repair all sorts of business equipment. Eventually he began his own business, Business Equipment Technical Services. He continued to work, though semi-retired in the 2000’s, until the last years of his life.

Bruce was a member of the Oregon-Brooklyn VFW #10272 and the Chaplin of the U.S.S. Grand Canyon sailor’s organization for several years. His Christianity was one of the most important things in his life. Bruce also leaves behind a remarkable collection of… well, let’s just say he had a knack for finding interesting things and repurposing them.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sharon Rhutasel (Smith) of Oregon; children, Bobbett (Rhutasel) Shaub and husband, Jeff Shaub of Stoughton, Neal Rhutasel of Milwaukee, and daughter-in-law, Laura Rhutasel of Chippewa Falls. His grandchildren, Gorden Rhutasel of Illinois, Talia Rhutasel of Michigan, Kathryn Rhutasel of Minnesota and John Rhutasel of Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his son, Dan Rhutasel; brother, Dana Rhutasel; and parents, Vera and Fred Rhutasel.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at HILLCREST BIBLE CHURCH, 752 East Netherwood St., Oregon, at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025, with the Rev. Fred Schmitt presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.

“Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.” Fred Rogers, television host and author.

Memorials may be sent to William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Attn: Vern Piper - GPF8017, 2500 Overlook Ter., Madison, WI 53705. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon
Funeral & Cremation Care
1150 Park St.
(608) 835-3515