Earl E. ‘Skip’ Rueter, Jr.
Earl E. ‘Skip’ Rueter, Jr., age 84, of Quincy, died peacefully on Friday, August 22, 2025 in Blessing Hospital. He was born on September 2, 1940 in Quincy, IL the son of Earl & Marguerite (Klarner) Rueter. Skip married Barbara ‘Barby’ Hussong on May 26, 1962. She survives.
Skip graduated from Quincy Senior High School in 1958 and then joined the Army where he was a paratrooper with the 101St Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY. He then worked at the Electric Wheel Company and went to Prairie Farms Dairy where he started on the loading dock. He worked in the plant and later was the manager of the 24th Street Plant up until his retirement after 38 years with the Dairy.
He was a former member of the Trojan Drum and Bugle Corps and helped form, run and teach the Flying Dutchmen Drum Corps. Skip was a member of the former Exchange Club of Quincy and the present Quincy Service Club. For the Exchange Club, Skip was past president, was awarded the distinguished secretary award and also was Exchangite of the Year in 1995. During the Quincy Exchange Club’s long history with the Gus Macker, Skip created ‘SKIPPYVILLE’ at 5th and Jersey. He took great pride in running that and loved working with all the people. In 2011 he was awarded a lifetime membership with the Exchange Club.
Skip was also one of the early coaches for soccer with the Quinsippi Soccer League. He was also a member of Cedar Crest Country Club and was a past president and board member. He was a member of Salem Church.
In addition to his wife, Skip is also survived by:
HIS CHILDREN: Greg Rueter (Sherry) of Bloomington, IL and Melissa Rueter (Mac) of Quincy.
GRANDCHILDREN: Nate (Alexis), Payne, Grace, Brooke (Travis), Brent (Melissa), Kylee, Christen and Kendall.
GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: Rylee, Beckett, Corinne, Olive, Oakland, Olsen, Knox, Brecken and Evie.
SIBLINGS: Bill (Sanfra), Penny (Lewis) and Marsha (Steve).
Numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive.
Skip was preceded in death by his parents, two sons: Ricky and Steven, and his sister Shari (Chuck).
Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Interment in Greenmount Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Great River Honor Flight. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Barb I’m so sorry for your loss, Skip was a great man he will be missed by all who knew him.
Melissa and family,
So sorry to hear the passing of Skip. You have my deepest condolences. My prayers to you all.
Dear Barb and Family,
Skip was a valued member of the QHS Class of 1958. He was always admired for his keen sense of humor. We are certain you have many happy and memorable times in your life which you will cherish as a family.
He had been such an active member of the Quincy Exchange and Service Club for so many years.
Please know we are thinking of you and remembering “Skip”.
As ever,
Dick & Pat Wentura
Barb and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. May he rest in peace.
Barb, our family always thought the world of you and Skip. Especially during the devastation of Ricky‘s death. You guys are remembered by all of our family and we’re so very sorry to hear about Skip. May he rest in peace with his two boys now.
Kathy ( Klene ) O’Brien
Barb:
So sad to hear this news. There is a lot of Skip and my blood, sweat, and tears of the floors of 24th & Broadway. So many great memories of road trips, dinners at the Plaza, and the STORIES!!
Love & Blessings,
Dave & Jan
Barb, so sorry to hear about Skip, always had a fun time when he was around. God be with you and your family at this hard time. I live in Texas now so won’t be able to be there for his visitation.
Jmarie
Barb, sorry for your loss.
Kay Dempsey
Dear Barb: Thinking of you and your family this past weekend and the passing of Skip . Love Shirley
I’m so sorry to read of Mr. Rueter’s passing. I just felt I had to send this note… While reading the obituary, Ricky was mentioned. I remember Ricky from Irving school and truthfully… have thought of him often. I still have a horse head pendant that was part of ..what i call a…Christmas gift grab and exchange.. that was from him. So, i just wanted you to know that even though one may not be among us to actually see and touch… they leave a legacy and memories that never fade.