Michael Leo Rueth passed away Friday, February 2nd at the University of Chicago after a brief but intense battle with heart disease. Mike is survived by his father and mother, Timothy and Susan (nee Grabovac) Rueth; his siblings, Anne Rueth, Kate (Jared) Sharkey; and Jeff (Rosie) Rueth; his best friend, Jovan Stojanovski; his aunt and second mother, Pattie Grabovac; his boss and second father, Benny Gamba; his aunts and uncles; Stephen Grabovac, George (Sharon) Grabovac, John (Adrienne) Grabovac, Herbert (Betty) Rueth, Rob (late Barbara) Rueth, Barbara (Larry) Bishop, Rosie Rueth, Janine Rueth (Cesar), Kevin (Diane) Rueth; and many many cousins and dear friends. Mike attended St. Thomas More, Andrean High School, the University of Southern California, and Le Cordon Bleu. He is remembered by all who knew him as reflexively caring and kind, always going above and beyond to help, with an infectious laugh and a gentle soul. From a young age, Mike was passionate about food and grew up cooking for family and friends, continuing to do so in CA, and eventually as the Executive Chef at Gamba Ristorante. He represented the best of who chefs are, people who find their calling in the act of nourishing, in sustaining others, in creating the backdrop for friends to gather, and in celebrating traditions through food. We recognize the artistry and discipline of his chosen craft and his deep instinctive impulse to add pleasure to people’s lives, to thrill and to comfort. Mike gave his heart to all and his whole heart in all he did. We’ll miss him always. Visitation will be held Thursday February 8th from 2-8pm at KISH FUNERAL HOME 10000 Calumet Ave. Munster, IN with Vigil Service at 2:30 pm and a Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 9th at 10:00 am directly at St. Thomas More Church 8501 Calumet Ave. Munster, IN, with a Visitation from 9:30 am until the 10:00 am Mass. Interment will be private. All who loved Mike are welcome to come and remember him.