Charles William Ruetten

Charles W. Ruetten, Ed.D. was born in Sparta, Wisconsin September 24th, 1924 to George Ruetten and Mary Muehlenberg. Charles left his life on December 27th, 2015 after wonderful years. Charles is survived by his wife, Maria of 44 years, and adopted daughter, Maureen Wertman, both of Phoenix, Arizona.; brothers, Anthony Ruetten of Elm Mott, Texas, Stephen Ruetten of Sparta, Wisconsin, sister, Agnes Burnham, of Sparta, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Sister Faith FSPA (Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration for 52 years), Sophia Cote of Sparta, Wisconsin, Veronica Weibel Of La Crosse, Wisconsin., Rita Baumgartner, of New Glarus, Wisconsin, George, who served his country during World War II, and Theresa, who died after childbirth. After graduating from High School in 1942, Charles attended the La Crosse Vocational School, completed the electricians and welding training programs and for three years worked at Hunter’s Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco, California. In 1947 he entered St. Anthony’s Franciscan Seminary in Santa Barbara, California. After he completed a year novitiate in San Miguel, California, three years of philosophy, and four years of theology in Santa Barbara, California, he was ordained to the priesthood on December 21, 1955. He taught Latin, English and Social Studies in various high schools in the province. In June 1967 he petitioned the Holy See for a dispensation from priesthood and solemn vows, which he received March 1971. In 1967 he developed the Adult Learning Center for the PUHS District. In 1971, he started the Ruetten Learning Center, an accredited AICS Business School. His copyrighted materials include: Thinking Skills, Personality Development, Vocation Adapter and Keyboarding with the Left or Right Hand. In 1985 he sold the Ruetten Learning Center and continued to develop the English Language Center for non-English speaking students until 1987. He then worked for America West Airlines as Manager of Training Research until 1993. His graduate education includes: B.S. in Social Sciences, San Luis Rey College, San Luis Rey, California, M.A. in Secondary Education with Special in Administration, and an Ed.D. in Adult Education both from A.S.U. Tempe, Arizona. December 17, 1976. On May 1, 1971, he married Maria Piffl in the Bishop’s Chapel in Phoenix, Arizona. The Bishop’s secretary officiated. At that time he also adopted her daughter, Maureen. A visitation will be held Sunday, January 3, 2016 at Resthaven / Carr-Tenney Memorial Gardens, 4310 East Southern Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85042, from 5-7 p.m., with the Rosary at 5 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held the following day, Monday, January 4, 2016 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church 3550 East Knox Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85044, at 10 a.m. with entombment at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 North 48th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85008 immediately following. Arrangements have been entrusted to Resthaven/ Carr-Tenney Mortuary. Please visit www.resthavencarrtenney.com for information.