Bruce Jon “Sarge” Rutz, 77, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away April 27, 2026, at his home under the care of Hospice of Dubuque.

A celebration of life and Military Honors will take place at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Bruce was born February 2, 1949, in Manilla, Iowa the son of Amos and Doris (Ramsey) Rutz.  As a youth he was active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He spent much of his summers with his Uncle Bill, Aunt Florance, and Cousin Donna Ramsey, on their farm that he loved.  He was raised with his four siblings, Steve, Kent, Sue, and Karl. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning, Iowa, and graduated from Manning High School in 1967. In high school he played the tuba in band, sang in the Madrigal and Men’s Choir, participated in plays, played on the football and baseball teams, and was a class officer. After high school he worked for the Denison, Iowa, IBP Plant, until he enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam conflict, out of respect for his country. He did a 13-month tour as an anti-aircraft missile gunner in Korea. He also served in the National Guard from 1976-1996 where he retired as a Master Sergeant. The Honors Flight to D.C. was a memorable event for “Sarge”.

After his time in the Army, he returned home and to his employment with IBP.  In 1973, he married Sally Drake and joined the barbershop musical group in Denison, Iowa, for a short time until they moved to Dubuque, Iowa.  He then took a position as a USDA Meat Inspector at the Dubuque Packing Company. He left the Dubuque Pack to join the United States Postal Service. He worked for the USPS until his retirement in 2013. Flying was another love he pursued during the 1970’s.

Bruce is survived by his son, Nathan Rutz; former wife, Sally Rutz; siblings, Sue (Jay) Rutz-Koon, Kent (Beth) Rutz, Karl (Donna) Rutz; sister-in-law, Marilyn Rutz; special cousin, Donna (Dave) Ramsey-Maason; along with nine nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and brother Steve.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, Unity Point Finley Hospital, Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, and friends for providing prayers and caring support to Bruce and his family during this difficult time.