In Loving Memory
Chad A. Puterbaugh
December 14, 1968 - March 28, 2023

VISITATION
Friday, March 31, 2023
10:00 - 11:00 A.M.
United Methodist Church
Ruthven, Iowa

SERVICE
Friday, March 31, 2023
11:00 A.M.
United Methodist Church
Ruthven, Iowa

CLERGY
Rev. Kris Hackbart

INTERMENT
Crown Hill Cemetery
Ruthven, Iowa

Chad Allan Puterbaugh, 54, of Ruthven, Iowa died peacefully March 28, 2023 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Chad was born on December 14, 1968 in Emmetsburg, Iowa. He was a lifelong resident of Ruthven, where he grew up, worked and raised his family. He graduated from Ruthven-Ayrshire Community School and went on to college at NITC in Sheldon, Iowa. After college, he worked at Great Lakes Auto Restoration in Spirit Lake, where he pursued his passion of automotive restoration and repair. He was very proud of his 1969 Camaro that he restored and loved cruising in during the summertime.

In 1989, Chad became ill and was diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy. He was advised that he would have a great challenge ahead. Despite this news, Chad returned to work doing what he loved. In July, 1991, Chad married Tracy Zahrt at the United Methodist Church in Ruthven, where he was a lifelong member. In August of 1993, Chad fought for his life as his heart began failing. He spent weeks at St. Mary's Hospital, in Rochester, where he awaited, not just a heart transplant, but also the arrival of his first child. On September 1, Chad and Tracy welcomed son, Gage Allen, who provided much joy at this challenging time. On September 13, Chad received the ultimate gift of life, his heart transplant.

Health restrictions required that Chad needed to make a job change. Chad started his own lawn care business and provided service for many people in the Ruthven community. In addition, he did snow removal and helped raise produce on the family farm. Chad and Tracy completed their family on April 21, 1995 welcoming son, Riley Zahrt. Chad enjoyed vacations in the Black Hills, listening to music, working on cars and spending time with his family. In 2007, after years of anti-rejection medication, Chad needed a kidney transplant. Once again, Chad was the recipient of the gift of life from his father, Allan.

Chad and Tracy faced yet another hurdle in 2012, as Riley was diagnosed with the first of several brain tumors. Chad never left Riley's side through all of his surgeries, chemotherapies, and decline. It was incredibly difficult to lose Riley in 2015.

He faced many more medical challenges in his life. He was steadfast in his faith, forever committed to his family and those he loved. His life, while difficult, was about strength, perseverance, and courage. He was the second longest surviving heart recipient in the history of Mayo Clinic. One of his original heart transplant doctors visited him in the hospital last week spoke of his amazing strength and what incredible hope Chad's story gives others.

Chad was preceded in death by his cherished son, Riley, maternal grandparents, George and Helen Schmidt, and paternal grandparents, Ervin and Viola Puterbaugh.

He is survived by his parents, Allan and Jean Puterbaugh, Ruthven, his son Gage Puterbaugh (Melissa Nissan) his three precious grandchildren, Henry, Roman, and Mackenzie. He is also survived by a beloved sister, Tricia Semple, and nephew, Thomas, along with many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

The family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses who have cared for him. To the family who made the decision to be organ donors and gifted Chad a heart, we thank you for giving Chad a second chance at life. To our precious friends and neighbors, and the community of Ruthven, thank you for your generosity and loving support of Chad and his family for so many years. There are not adequate words to express the care you have given us. This community has wrapped its arms around our family and we could never repay the love and compassion you have shared.

In lieu of flowers, share an act of kindness with someone. Call a friend or relative you haven't spoken to recently. Visit a shut-in or nursing home resident. Forgive someone. No matter our differences, we are all God's children, so speak with compassion and love.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home.