Louie Ruffatti

Louis P. Ruffatti

Age 81 of Coal City passed away peacefully Monday morning, May 8, 2017 at his home.

Born June 23, 1935 in Eileen, Louis Peter was a son of the late Louis and Mary (Pantaleone) Ruffatti. He was raised in Coal City; graduated from Coal City High School with the Class of 1953, and went on to honorably serve in the United States Army (1954 - 1956), where he was stationed in Germany. On June 9, 1962 Louie married Lorraine Endrst in Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church. Louis worked as a sheet metal worker and retired from the Sheet Metal Workers Local Union #265 after 40 years of service. He was active with the Coal City VFW Post #1336, and was proud to serve as past commander of the color guard. Louie was a 50+ year member of the Sheet Metal Workers Local #265, and belonged to Assumption Parish in Coal City, as well as the Coal City Area Club and the Miners Area Club. Louie enjoyed joint-authoring Coal City's nickname book "Who?" with his wife Lorraine and friends Charlie and Kathy Brown, and also leaves behind many documented stories of his life for his family.  Louie was a great outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting with his beagles, gardening at home and raising rabbits. A man with a great sense of humor and quick wit, Louie's most treasured time was spent with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years Lorraine; three children: Gail Brown and Paul Ruffatti, both of Coal City and Lynn (Jeff) Fors of Batavia; four grandchildren: Matthew, Sarah and Elizabeth Fors of Batavia and Lauren Brown of Coal City; one sister: Pat (Don) Bianchetta of Coal City and numerous nieces and nephews.

Louie was preceded in death by his parents; one brother John in infancy, and three sisters: Martha (Darrell) Brandon, Donna (Harold) Peterson and Rose (Merlin) Hanson.

Visitation and video tribute will be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block north of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City. Funeral Services will follow Thursday morning, May 11, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in the Assumption Parish - Berst Center, 150 South Kankakee Street in Coal City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Robert Noesen.

Burial with full military honors will be in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Louie's memory to the Coal City VFW Post #1336 or the Assumption Catholic Church Building Campaign.

Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Louie's memorial page online by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815-634-2125)