Keith A. Rutz

Keith A. Rutz, 84, of Topeka, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025. He was born January 30, 1941 in Booker, Texas, the son of Roy and Lucile (Morris) Rutz.

Keith graduated from Enterprise High School in Enterprise, Kansas. He was an Army Veteran, serving as a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. Keith was employed as a store manager for Duckwalls - Alco, worked for Economy Laboratories and later employed as a bartender the Gilded Cage in Eudora until his retirement in 2000. He was a member of the VFW and the American Legion.

Keith married Patricia E. (Rickman) Johnson on October 8, 1982 in Lawrence, Kansas. She preceded him in death on August 24, 2020. He was also preceded in death by two grandchildren, Taylor and Jordan, and his five siblings, Orville “Lee”, Morris, LeRoy “Shorty”, George and Kay.

Survivors include children, Brenda (Jody) Long, Sherry (Kent) Kerns, Keith Rutz, Jr, Heather (Anthony) Barber, Heidi (Brian) Goodack, seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

A Graveside Inurnment service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 29, 2025 at the Eudora Cemetery, 2229 N. 1420 Rd. The family will gather with friends following the committal service at Barbwire BBQ (formally The Gilded Cage), 601 E. 10th, Eudora, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Ronald McDonald House, 825 SW Buchanan St., Topeka, Kansas 66606.

Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. is assisting the family with service arrangements.

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