Thomas Walter Ruthig, age 75, passed away on April 21, 2019 in Bartlett, Illinois. He was born April 12, 1944 in Saginaw, Michigan to Celia and Walter Ruthig. He grew up in Saginaw and attended Peace Lutheran School, graduated from Arthur Hill High School, after which he enrolled at Delta College. Soon after, he was inducted into the army and served his country honorably in the Vietnam War. After being discharged, Tom began his career path in Respiratory Therapy. He spent many successful and rewarding years in that field, both as a therapist and in related sales. He was an avid sailor and boat owner, a passion which lasted his entire life. Over the years, his passion for sailing took him to prime locations in Florida, the Bahamas and Cape Cod. As the field of Respiratory therapy changed its focus, Tom moved to St. Charles, IL in 1996 where he found his niche as head maintenance manager for large apartment complexes. He received several prestigious awards for his stellar work in that field, making great friends along the way. Tom retired in 2010 and moved to nearby Bartlett, Il. He was preceded in death by both parents and brother, Robert. He leaves behind two children, Gregory Ruthig Nadlonek, San Diego, CA and Kristin Ruthig, Carlsbad,Ca, his children with Darlene Nadlonek, San Diego, CA; sister, Janet Fetters (Frederick) Scottsdale, AZ; sister, Barbara Lanis (Kenneth), Bartlett, IL and four nieces and one nephew. A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 3427 Adams Ave, Saginaw, MI on Saturday, August 3, at 10:30 AM. To best honor Tom’s life, the family suggests donations be made to theoceancleanup.com in Tom’s memory, something for which he cared deeply.