Matthew Ruettgers January 28, 1988 - August 9, 2012

Matthew Francis Ruettgers, 24, of Bend, died tragically in a motorcycle accident August 9.

Matt was born to Ken and Sheryl Ruettgers in Bakersfield, California January 28, 1988; he was the oldest of three siblings. Matt enjoyed his early years in Green Bay, Wisconsin, before spending the majority of his life in Central Oregon. Matt graduated from Sisters High School in 2006 and had since attended community colleges in Bend, Eugene, and Hood River.

He participated in a wide variety of activities including three years of varsity soccer. More than the activities themselves, Matt loved the people he did things with. He loved snow boarding, but he loved doing it with his friends more. He loved movies, but he loved talking about them with people more. He loved thrilling adventures, but more importantly, Matt loved the person alongside him.

Matt had a great sense of humor and cared genuinely for his friends and family. His laugh and wit will be missed greatly and the love he gave will never be forgotten.

Matthew is survived by his parents and two sisters, Susan Ruettgers and Katherine Caballero, and brother in-law, Julian. He leaves his maternal grandparents, Ed and Sandy O'Neill; and his paternal grandparents Ron and Judy Ruettgers as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, August 15, at 11 a.m., at Sisters Community Church.

Please visit the online registry for the family at www.niswonger-reynolds.com.