Milton W. J. Ruhter, 96, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018, at Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin.

Milton William John Ruhter was born Oct. 5, 1921, in Waltham Township, Mower County, Minnesota, the son of Henry and Magdalena (Prochnow) Ruhter. He was baptized by the Rev. R.C. Milius and confirmed by the Rev. W.M. Plantz, both at St. Michaels Lutheran Church. He attended country school in District 93. He was drafted into military service in September of 1942 and was discharged in 1945. He received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. On May 14, 1950, Milton married Lois Tabbert at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stewart, Minnesota. Their union was blessed with five children. Milton was a manager of the Commander Elevator in Waltham for 10 years before it burned down, after which the Ruhter’s moved to Stewart, where Milton then worked at the feed mill and the hatchery.  In 1957, Lois and her husband moved back to Milton’s home farm in Brownsdale, Minnesota, where he farmed for 30 years. During that time, he also drove a school bus. In October 2015, the couple moved to Primrose in Austin. Milton enjoyed telling stories, playing cards, Bingo day trips and word search puzzles. He was loyal to John Deere tractors. He was a member of the Hayfield American Legion, Austin VFW and St. Michael’s Lutheran Church. In June 2011, he took the Honor Flight. He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his children, Carol (David) Hutchinson of Spring Grove, Minnesota, Douglas (Barb) Ruhter of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, Burton (Mary Ann) Ruhter of Brownsdale, Audrey Thorpe of Austin, and Melissa (Steve) Nicholas of South Range, Michigan; 13 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Orline Peterson of Hayfield, Minnesota; brother, Chasper Ruhter of Sebring, Florida; sister-in-law, Adell Ruhter of Black River Falls, Wisconsin; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Milton was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Magdalena Ruhter; his wife, Lois Ruhter, in 2018; his granddaughter, Brittany Nicholas; brothers, Lester Ruhter, Gerhardt Ruhter and Joe Ruhter; sister-in-law, Delores Ruhter; and brother-in-law, Eldred Peterson.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Waltham with Pastor Dwight DoBell officiating. Visitation will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and will continue for one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Interment will be in St. Michael’s Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to St. Michael’s Lutheran Church or recipient of donor’s choice. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.