John Ruester

John Theodore Ruester, 87, of Cape Girardeau, formerly of Jackson, went to his heavenly home Saturday, July 8, 2023. With his loving family by his side, he passed away at Saint Francis Medical Center.

He was born April 15, 1936, to Theodore and Edna Steinheimer Ruester in Marissa, Illinois.

John was a graduate of Marissa High School. In 1959, he received a degree in mechanical engineering from University of Missouri-Rolla. He worked for Layne Western in St. Louis and retired from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau.

John was a longtime member of Emanuel United Church of Christ in Jackson, where he sang in the choir and was quick to help in any way needed.

He first married Bette Fitch. Two daughters, Valerie and Diana, were born of their union. He later married Marie Allen Turner. She passed away in 2001. For the past 21 years, he was married to Carolyn Reitzel Little.

John and Carolyn enjoyed many cruises and traveling the United States. His interests included woodworking, guns, skeet-shooting and reading. He especially enjoyed reading books about history.

John is survived by his wife, Carolyn Reitzel Little; two daughters, Valerie (the late Sam) Kursar and Diana (Andy) Lasky; stepchildren, Jo Beth (the late Mike) Bullinger, Tim (Dion) Little, Gary (Kathy) Turner and Vern (Angela) Turner; many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and the mother of his children, Bette Ruester.

Also surviving are brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Tom (Tandra) Allen, David (Donna) Allen, Helen (the late Cloyd) Cook, Elouise Forrest, Debbie (the late Bob) Freund, Marilyn (Donald) Mayfield, Roy (Sue) Allen and Martin (the late Joletta) Allen.

John was preceded in death by his second wife, Marie Allen Ruester; siblings, Ed (Audrey) Ruester and Dorothy (Sam) Cole; a stepdaughter, Susan White; and his parents.

A memorial visitation will be from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Friday, July 14, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The Rev. Sam Roethemeyer will conduct a memorial service at 6 p.m. Friday July 14, at the funeral home.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to Emanuel United Church of Christ in Jackson.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab of John's obituary page at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.