Chris Rutzen

Christopher Richard Rutzen, affectionately known as Chris, of Prairieville, Louisiana, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the age of 48, in Baton Rouge. Chris was born on Monday, July 18, 1977, in Palos Heights, Illinois. Chris was a proud alumnus of Louisiana State University, where he earned his J.D., as well as Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, where he completed his R.N. and Louisiana Tech University, where he earned his B.S. He served as the Executive Director of Renal Associates of Baton Rouge, where his expertise and compassion made a difference in the lives of many.

A dedicated member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the University Club, and the Louisiana State Bar Association, Chris was actively involved in his community. In his leisure time, Chris enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. You could often find him cooking, attending live music shows, and cheering on his favorite sporting teams, including the Tigers, Chicago Cubs, Arsenal, and Dutchtown Griffins. Chris never missed an opportunity to watch his boys play sports. He was an avid golfer, lifelong learner, devoted family man, beer enthusiast, and BBQ competitor- notably crafting an award-winning pork shoulder. Above all, Chris cherished time spent sharing laughter and love with his beloved family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Julia Pudlewski, Richard Rutzen, and Lamar Johnson.

Chris is survived by his beloved wife of 20 years, Allison Miller Rutzen; sons, Oakley Rutzen and Wyatt Rutzen; mother, Gayle Johnson; sisters, Carolyn Rutzen Johnson and Lelia Johnson Thrasher; brothers, Angelo Bovara and Billy Lamar Johnson; and nieces and nephews, Julia Johnson Gillespie, Lillian Johnson, Calli Johnson, Eudora Heflin, Ella Thrasher, and Lucas Thrasher.

The family would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the many family, friends, coworkers and medical professionals that have helped us navigate this past year.

We would like to invite all who knew and loved Chris to join us as we commemorate his life. A Visitation will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 15160 S Harrells Ferry Rd, in Baton Rouge, on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 2:00 PM, until Celebration of Life Ceremony at 4:00 PM, by Pastor Bill Crowe.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial gifts may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 15160 South Harrell’s Ferry Road Baton Rouge, LA 70816, at: tlcbr.org/giving