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In Memory

Gerald J Rutkowski - Class Of 1960 VIEW PROFILE

Gerald J Rutkowski

  

Gerald “Jerry” J. Rutkowski, 80, of Granger, passed away Sunday, December 5, 2021 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend.  He was born April 27, 1941 in South Bend, IN to John and Annette (Gaczkowski) Rutkowski.  On October 12, 1985 in South Bend, he married Kim (Webb) Rutkowski, who survives.

In addition to his loving wife of 36 years, Jerry is survived by his daughters, Julienne Lawson of Granger, IN and Kerry (RJ) Perry of Granger, IN; sons, John (Linda) Rutkowski of, MN and Jim (Diana) Rutkowski of North Liberty, IN; nine grandchildren, Justice, Truth, Annie, Maggie, Brock, Johnny (Ashley), Dawn, Jesse (Grace), and Jerry; and great-grandchildren, Harper, Audrey, Roland, Maddie, Abby, Fiona, and Sasha.  He is preceded in death by both his parents.

Jerry proudly served in the United States Navy and later retired as a Lieutenant from the St. Joseph County Police Department after 20 years of service.  He was a member of the FOP Lodge 155, American Legion Post 0777, Blue Knights International, Sherriff’s Association, National Fraternal Order of Police, and the National Model Railroad Association.  Jerry was a skilled craftsman and could build anything from handmade puzzles to baby cradles and toyboxes, furniture, some of which are now family heirlooms.  He enjoyed wood carving, designing and building scenery for model railroads, and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Jerry was a deeply caring grandfather, father and husband, who put others first. Jerry touched the lives of so many people and underestimated his strength that he passed along to family and friends. He was a devoted family man that made sure he took care of those around him, one of many traits that will live forever for many generations to come.

Visitation for Jerry will be held on Thursday, December 9, 2021 from 4-7 PM at the Palmer Funeral Homes-Welsheimer North Chapel, 17033 Cleveland Rd., South Bend, IN 46635.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 10, 2021 at 11 AM at the funeral home, with visitation one hour prior.  Graveside services with military honors will immediately follow at Southlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Jerry may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka KS 66675.

12/08/2021 JFC



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