Obituary courtesy of Daily Mining Gazette

Bruce Henry Riutta, 67, passed away on Jan. 24, 2012, at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Houston, Tex., due to complications from open heart surgery.

He was born Oct. 14, 1944, in Hancock to the late Emil and Elma (Saarala) Riutta.

Bruce was an engineer, vice president and owner of Upper Lakes Coal Company and Fox River Dock Company since 1983. He received his BSME from Michigan Tech in 1967.

An accomplished athlete, Bruce was a member of the 1968 US Olympic Hockey Team in Grenoble, France, a member of the 1965 Michigan Tech NCAA Hockey Championship team and a two-time All American hockey player for the Huskies. Bruce shared his love of hockey by coaching/mentoring Ashwaubenon hockey players for 25 years with many championships.

He was inducted into the Michigan Tech Sports Hall of Fame in 1987 and the UP Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

Bruce was also a member of the Green Bay Bobcats (USHL) for eight years.

In addition to his passion for hockey, Bruce enjoyed golf, football, engineering and spending time with his family at the cottage. He was "Mr. Fix-It" and the "Gadget Man" who liked to innovate. He was a loving, gentle spirit who loved spending time with his family and beloved pets. He enjoyed playing golf every Thursday with his friends at Oneida Golf and Country Club. Bruce also enjoyed spending time with friends at Citrus Park in Bonita Springs, Fla.

Bruce's business accomplishments were numerous. He was a member of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and his vision and fortitude had a positive impact on the City of Green Bay and its port system.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jane Marie; a son, Barry (Kathy) Riutta and their daughter, Natalie; three daughters, Shelley Riutta, Vanessa (Aaron) Backer and their daugher, Emerson and Erin Riutta and friend, Kyle Bardouche. He is further survived by his step-children, Shawn (Laurie) Beauparlant and Ryan (Valorie) Beauparlant; step-grandchildren, Emily and Jacob Moen and Rachel and Alissa Berg; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, best friend and coach, David Riutta.