Leo Richard Rutten was born on September 12, 1945 in Devils Lake, ND. He was the son of J. Henry and E. Dorothy (Garske) Rutten. He grew up and attended rural school near Crary through the 6th grade. He then attended St. Joseph's Academy in Devils Lake for one year, followed by high school in Crary, ND, graduating in 1963. Leo then attended school at Lake Region Community College and received an Associate of Arts Degree in 1965. He went on to NDSU in Fargo. Leo was drafted into the army in September 1966. He was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana where he served in airport operations. Following his honorable discharge in June 1968, he attended UND from 1969-1970.

Leo married Ruth Lanes on June 27, 1970 at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, ND. He worked for Holly Stores, a subsidiary of Kmart, in Grand Forks and Fargo before being promoted to store manager in Des Moines, IA. He returned to North Dakota in June of 1972 and began working for Northwestern Bell Telephone in the fall of 1972. He worked in Grand Forks, Larimore, and Leeds before moving to Harvey in 1982. He began working for North Dakota Telephone Company in 1996 and retired in 2008

Leo was a member of the Telephone Pioneers since 1972. He served as Boy Scout Leader and the local Boy Scout Board of Directors for 24 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and received his 3rd degree in 1978 in Devils Lake and also served as Grand Knight. He became a 4th degree knight in 1988 and served as Faithful Comptroller. As a member of Faith In Action, Leo drove clients to various medical appointments for 2 years. He served on the Harvey Ambulance Service for 11 years. He was a CPR instructor and taught 4 basic EMT classes. He was a member of the American Legion since 1969 and served on the Military Honors Team in Harvey. He was a member of the Wells Eagles Aerie # 3080 in Harvey and a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. Leo was a faithful member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Harvey. He served on the church council and was a CCD teacher for many years.

Leo was an avid birdwatcher and outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, and camping with his family and friends. When the weather kept him inside, he spent countless hours woodworking in his shop.

Leo is survived by his wife, Ruth of Harvey; daughters, Kate Fejfar (Mark), Marion, IA; Angie Marchand (Rod), Harvey; Amy Richter (Allen Koble), Drake, ND; Mary Schimke (Stephen Wischer), Fargo; Suzanne Fiesel (Nathan), Devils Lake; 24 grandchildren, one great-grandchild; sister, Edith Lueke, Rochester, MN.; brother, Daniel Rutten, Moorhead, MN.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James.