- Visitation
Memorial Visitation
Saturday, September 9, 2023
9:00 to 11:00 am
St. Paul UCC, Lebanon, IL
- Service
Memorial Service
Saturday, September 9, 2023
11:00 am
St. Paul UCC, Lebanon, IL
- Full Obituary
Robert A. Rutherford, 63, of Lebanon, IL, passed away on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at 2:30 pm, at St. Louis University Hospital, surrounded by his family.
He was born on December 6, 1959, in Belleville, IL, to Duane “Nooser” and Ardel (nee Fix) Rutherford. On November 5, 1983, Robert married the love of his life, Kim Frierdich, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lebanon, IL.
Robert has lived in Lebanon his entire life. He graduated from Lebanon High School in 1978 and attended Belleville Area College for two years. Robert worked for Southwest Airlines for 37 years until his retirement in November of 2021. He started as a Ramp Agent, then a manager for two years, and finally a Provisioning Supervisor for 25 plus years. Robert coached boys’ soccer at Lebanon High School, girls’ basketball at Lebanon Junior High, and his son, Bradley’s, youth leagues for tee ball, baseball, and soccer. He was an active member of his community, serving on the council for the City of Lebanon.
He enjoyed being outdoors whether working in his yard, deer hunting on family property in Mascoutah, fishing, running, grilling, or going on canoe trips. Traveling was a favorite of Roberts’, especially going to Mexico and Panama City Beach, FL, as well as singing and listening to all types of music; he knew the lyrics and artists of every song. Robert was a huge New York Yankees fan and loved Charlie Brown and the Peanuts Gang, especially Snoopy; having many collectibles he acquired over the years. His favorite holiday was Christmas as he loved getting gifts for people and being around his family.
Robert was a good, honest, hardworking man. He loved his scotch, was funny, patient, loving, and supportive. Spending time with his family, especially his grandkids, was his greatest joy. Robert was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law, and uncle. He will be missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Duane “Nooser” and Ardel Rutherford, and his father-in-law, Gary Frierdich.
Robert is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Kim Rutherford; children, Kelly (Jesse) Essenpreis, Bradley (Adia Frazer) Rutherford; grandchildren, Ashlyn Essenpreis, Rhya Essenpreis, Kyler Essenpreis; brother, Michael (Gayle) Rutherford; sister, Julie (Kevin) Haas; mother-in-law, Charlotte Frierdich; brothers-in-law, Greg (Terri) Frierdich, Andy (Cindy) Frierdich; nieces and nephews, Brandi (Christopher) Templeton, Nicole (Brian) Waters, Ryan (Jennifer) Haas, Kari (significant other, Dave Groves) Haas; nieces and nephews-in-law, Hannah (husband, Adam Miller) Frierdich, Cole Frierdich, Lauren Frierdich, Drew Frierdich; fur babies, Dolce and Lucy; many great nieces, great nephews, and his Southwest Airlines Provisioning Family.
Memorials may be made to Randy’s Rescue Ranch, O’Fallon, IL, Stray Rescue of St. Louis, or Lebanon CUSD #9 Athletic Department.
Memorial Visitation: Saturday, September 9, 2023, from 9:00 to 11:00 am, St. Paul UCC, Lebanon, IL
Memorial Service: Saturday, September 9, 2023, 11:00 am, at St. Paul UCC, Lebanon, IL
Clergy: Rev. Todd Bean, Pastor
Interment: St. Joseph Cemetery, Lebanon, IL
Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL
Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.
15 Condolences