Flag Lowering for Robert Ruetz

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) flag will be lowered on Tuesday, July 19, in memory of UNO retired emeritus faculty member Robert Ruetz who passed away on June 30, 2022 at the age of 94.

Robert joined UNO in 1965 in the Department (now School) of Music, where he stayed for 25 years until his retirement in 1990.

Living most of his early life in South Bend, Indiana, Robert also taught at Benedictine Heights College in Oklahoma and Missouri State University.

While at UNO, Ruetz helped found the SMS Opera Workshop and UNO Opera Theatre. He also served as Dean of the College of Fine Arts for a short period.

Engaged in the music community, Robert was a tenor and performed in many symphony performances across the country. He was a chorusmaster for the Tulsa Opera Company and Opera Omaha and a member of the Opera Omaha Board of Directors for nine years. He was also an on-air host on radio, including UNO's own KVNO and KIWR in Council Bluffs, IA.

Robert served in the U.S. Army in Japan and Korea and was a combat veteran of the Korean War. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal, Far East Theater Medla, and Korean War Service Medal.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Pierrette; his son, Michael J; parents Joseph F. and Margaret; siblings Genevieve Collins, Joseph H. Ruetz, Raymond J. Ruetz, Reverand Edward J. Ruetz, Thomas J. Ruetz. He is survived by daughters Denise (Gregory) Jensen, Louise McConnell; son Robert J. Ruetz (Joni); and multiple grand children and great grand children.

The thoughts and condolences of the university community are with Robert's loved ones during this time.