Vanessa Lynn Ruetten

She will be best remembered for being happily independent, and for her sense of style. When we think of Vanessa, we're reminded of her compassion, her sense of humor, and her polished opinion.

In 2000, she graduated from La Crosse Central High school and later moved to Chicago where she earned a bachelors' degree from the International Academy of Design and Technology majoring in Fashion Merchandising. Throughout Vanessa's professional life, her personality created long-lasting friendships from careers in La Crosse, Chicago, Appleton, and Minneapolis.

From Germany to Japan, Vanessa embraced traveling with her family - those experiences helped shape her talent for fashion and style. Vanessa was always ready for the next adventure.

Vanessa is survived by her parents: Dianne Ruetten and Jay Ruetten of Camp Zama, Japan and brother, Andrew Ruetten of Milwaukee, WI. Preceded in death by her grandparents, Bernard and Catherine Ruetten, of Black River Falls, WI and Henry and Lorraine Michaels of Milwaukee, WI.

Her fashion advice was "Add a pop of color." That's what she was in our lives.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday; March 9th at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in La Crosse with Rev. Rick Roberts officiating. Friends and family may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, La Crosse Chapel, 200 West Avenue South on Friday from 5-7 P.M. where a prayer service will be held at 6:30 P.M.; and again at the church on Saturday from 9:30 A.M. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Coulee Region Humane Society, 911 Critter Court, Onalaska, WI 54650.