By Mandi Sakadaris
Posted: Updated:
15 Comments
  • 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
 
  1. Ann-Marie and Mike / September 4, 2023 at 7:22 pm

    Robert was one of the kindest people you would ever meet. He loved his family with all his heart. And he was a great friend. A life gone way too soon. 💕

  2. Carol Brauer / September 4, 2023 at 7:36 pm

    I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
    Carol Brauer

  3. Sam Ruffo / September 4, 2023 at 10:31 pm

    I worked with Robert for four years as a Southwest provisioning agent in Saint Louis. He was a great person and always a joy to work with. My sincere condolences are with his family and friends.

  4. Terri Blanchard / September 5, 2023 at 10:06 am

    I worked with Robert in St.Louis as a provisioning agent for several year ,he was a fun loving person and good supervisor . Thank you Robert for all the fun times and great memories . My condolences to his family and friends.

  5. Jane Strubhart / September 5, 2023 at 12:03 pm

    We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs for you, Kim, and your family at this difficult time. Jane and Ken Strubhart

  6. Mary Wilhelm Matteson / September 5, 2023 at 4:20 pm

    I attended high school with Robert and always thought of him as one of “the good guys”. He was kind and friendly to all and involved in many activities. Even though we didn’t have much contact after high school I often ran into him when flying from St. Louis, and he was never a stranger. My condolences to Kim and the kids.

  7. Robert Mog / September 5, 2023 at 6:48 pm

    Robert was a great friend who had the most infectious, playful laugh I have ever heard in my life – I can still hear it across time and space. He brought so many of us out of our funk in high school with that laugh! And he could sing too – especially every Bee Gees song – he could actually hit those high falsetto notes. Robert was a fabulous basketball player in high school – he had quick hands to steal the ball, and even quicker feet, and because of this, he made a lot of uncontested layups. He was a fabulous teammate who gave the best encouragement to others too when he was not playing. He also set me up on my first date with my future wife. He gave me all of the details and kept following up until I had the courage to ask her out. Our children can thank God and Robert Rutherford for his persistence!

    I pray the Lord’s Comfort and Blessings over all of us who will miss him, in the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

  8. Craig Frey / September 5, 2023 at 8:10 pm

    Condolences on your loss of Robert. Robert was a classmate in grade school and was always the outgoing one. He always brought fun and humor to everyone he knew. Condolences from the Frey family.

  9. Nikki Cozart / September 6, 2023 at 9:28 am

    Robert was always a fun, hard working leader at Southwest Airlines! He carried such a spirit of excellence in his work ethic. He was also always around to give you a good laugh when needed. I will always remember him as a hardworking, family man that loved music bands and one who never took off his ball cap! I send my deepest condolences to Kim, his children and grandchildren. My prayer is that God sends sweet comfort to your family and dear friends and that Roberts fond memories live in your hearts forever.

  10. Bruce and Colleen Todd / September 7, 2023 at 3:04 pm

    My condolences to Kim and Roberts family. Robert was one a wonderful person to work with at South West airlines. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless you…

  11. Michele Rowe / September 8, 2023 at 4:20 pm

    Kim,
    Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for your loss. Holding you in my heart

  12. Joni Bastian / September 8, 2023 at 5:45 pm

    Robert had the best smile and laugh! I too remember him singing the Bee Gees songs and hitting the high notes! I remember when he first started dating Kim, he was over the top in love. Kim and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Joni Bastian

  13. Phil Finley / September 11, 2023 at 9:11 am

    I knew Robert as a child and young man. From the ages of 8 to 18, we played baseball, basketball and ran track together.

    Robert was a fun, happy and kind young man. He was a great athlete.

    I enjoyed my time with Robert.

    You had a wonderful son, father, grandfather.

    My condolences,
    Phil Finley

  14. Tom O’Connor / September 16, 2023 at 5:47 am

    My condolences to the entire Rutherford family.

  15. Scott Neill / October 5, 2023 at 1:56 pm

    I have such wonderful memories of Robert. I was blessed to know him as classmate, teammate and friend. Robert was always a good athlete. Growing up I recollect feeling confident when Robert was on my team and concerned when he was an opponent. I remember in high school, Robert was a Pete Marovich fan and Robert took on Pete Marovich’s competitive spirit and confidence. Though Robert was just under 6’ in hs, he could dunk a basketball which was a confirmation of his athletic ability. Robert was unique in that he fit in with so many groups in high school. So many people liked and respected him. I always admired Robert for stepping up when he was needed. He stepped up for the city by being an alderman and he stepped up for his school by being a coach. It was so nice when I coached the cross country team and Robert coached the soccer team, we would occasionally get to talk after our practices were over. He was fun, and he appreciated and loved his players. Robert and I would meet up at some of the McK fun runs. Robert did the 10K and I would do the 5K, we said we had to defend our turf. Robert was so much fun to be with and I always respected and admired him, especially his wonderful head of hair. Bradley’s tribute to Robert was truly inspiring and so well presented. My condolences to his family.

Leave a Condolence or Memory: