John James Rutkowski

John James Rutkowski, age 89, died Sunday, February 24, 2013 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield with his family by his side. He was born August 15, 1923 to August and Antoinette (Dawidowicz) Rutkowski in Superior, Wisconsin. John attend Superior parochial and public schools; graduating in 1942 from Central High School in Superior. John went on to get a B.A. Degree from University of Wisconsin – Superior and a M.A. Degree from University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. He enlisted in the Army serving from 1943-1945, with the 44th infantry division in Europe. John was awarded the combat infantry badge, three battle stars and the bronze star. He was employed at Cadott High School from 1949 to 1954 as an English teacher and librarian and then he went on to work for Rhinelander High School as the Library Media Specialist from 1954 until his retirement in June of 1985. John married the former Lorrine Loomis on May 26, 1951 in Cadott, Wisconsin. He was a member of: Knights of Columbus, Wisconsin Retired Teachers Associated, American Association of Retired Persons Nations Retired Teacher Association Division, Wisconsin Library Association, The Friends of the Rhinelander Public Library, Rhinelander Area Retired Teachers Association, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

John is survived by his wife, Lorrine, his daughters; Kim (Michael Wiedel) Rutkowski of Milwaukee and Robin (John Denapoli) Rutkowski of McHenry, IL, four grandchildren, Kirsten (Matthew) Bettner, Jacob, Joshua and Alex Wessman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and 13 brothers and sisters.

A funeral service will be held Friday, March 1, 2013 at 11:00am at Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home with Father Tom Thakadipuram officiating. Burial will be at Central Wisconsin Veteran Memorial Cemetery in King. Visitation will be from 10:00am until the time of service. Hildebrand Russ is assisting the family with arrangements. All are invited to light a candle and leave an online condolence at hildebrandfh.com.