Sam J. Ruiter, 76, Yankton, S.D., died Sunday, March 30, 2003, at Avera Yankton Care Center in Yankton.
Services were Thursday, April 3, at Riverview Park Reformed Church in Yankton. The Rev. Rodney Veldhuisen officiated. Burial was in Leota Community Cemetery, Leota.
Sam Ruiter was born on July 24, 1926, in Valley Springs, S.D.
He married Angeline Dooyema on Nov. 13, 1945, in Edgerton. He drove transport for Dan Dugan in Sioux Falls, S.D., and in Yankton for 36 years.
He will be remembered for being awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor on behalf of the President of the United States on Sept. 13, 1985, for his extraordinary act of courage in saving the lives of seven children from an exploding propane storage tank in Santee, Neb.
In retirement, Mr. Ruiter enjoyed camping, fishing, enjoying nature, driving bus part-time and daily coffee with his friends.
Survivors include his wife, Angeline Ruiter, Yankton; one son, Larry (Vernette) Ruiter, Springdale, Ark.; one daughter, Sandra (Richard) Schaefer, Eagan; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three sisters; and two brothers.
Mr. Ruiter was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter, two sisters and three brothers.
Kostel Funeral Home, Yankton, was in charge of arrangements.
