Lee Raymond Rusetzke

Lee Raymond Rusetzke, age 74, of White Lake, Michigan, passed away on April 13, 2026. He was born on January 20, 1952, in Detroit, Michigan, and lived a life marked by love, laughter, talent, and dedication to the people and passions that mattered most to him.

Lee was the beloved husband of Dianne, whom he married on December 23, 1991, at United Baptist Church in Garden City. He was a devoted father to Tamzy (Paul) Bruso, Dawn Brown, Christopher (Tracey) Rusetzke, and Rita Karnavas. He was a proud grandfather to Taylore (Devon) Horton, Alyson Parkinson, Harmony (Brock Heilig) Parkinson, Dylan Parkinson, Chloe Brown, Kimberly Bruso, Christopher Rusetzke, Jr., Leeland Rusetzke, Julianna Rusetske, and the late Anthony Harris. He was also a cherished great-grandfather to Melodie Heilig, Kash Heilig, Eleanor Horton, Jaxson Hinkle, Addison Hinkle, Hudson, and Nova. Lee also leaves behind many other loving family members and friends who will forever treasure his memory.

Lee was a hardworking and dependable man who spent more than 20 years working at Jax as a car wash manager. He took pride in his work and was known for his strong work ethic, his practical nature, and his willingness to help wherever he was needed. In his earlier years, he served as a badged member of the Detroit Police Force in the 1970s, a role that reflected his sense of responsibility and commitment to serving others. Throughout his life, Lee was respected for being loving, funny, and handy, and those qualities were evident in the way he carried himself and cared for the people around him.

Music was one of Lee’s greatest gifts and deepest joys. He was a talented musician who played the saxophone and also shared his voice as a gifted singer. He performed with his band, Stride, and found great fulfillment in music that brought people together and lifted their spirits. His love of music was matched by his natural ability to connect with others, and he had a special way of making people feel welcome, appreciated, and entertained.

Lee was also a man of many interests and talents. He was active with the Boblo Boat restoration and appreciated the value of preserving history and honoring the past. He was an avid writer who respected journalism, and he enjoyed photography and editing photos with a thoughtful eye for detail. He was well versed in technology and computer repair, and he often used his skills to help others. He also took pride in keeping a neatly cut lawn, a reflection of the care and attention he gave to even the smallest things in life.

Those who knew Lee will remember his wonderful sense of humor and his ability to make people laugh. He enjoyed giving to others and took genuine pleasure in the reactions that came from his generosity. He was a true people person who found joy in conversation, connection, and shared moments. He especially loved Good and Plenty candy, a small but memorable favorite that reflected his simple pleasures and easygoing spirit.

Lee will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose presence enriched the lives of all who knew him. His memory will live on through the music he made, the laughter he shared, the kindness he showed, and the many lives he touched with his generous heart and steady hands.

Lee's family will receive friends on Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Elton Black & Son Funeral Home located at 3295 East Highland Road, Highland, Michigan 48356.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Friday, April 24, 2026 at the funeral home with Pastor Mario Chadinha officiating.

Please leave a condolence or share a memory with Lee's family.