Charles Robert Rutkowski
January 17, 1938 - July 19, 2013
Obituary
MIDDLETON-Charles R. Rutkowski, age 75, passed away on Friday, July 19, 2013 at his home in Heritage Middleton Senior Living. He was born on January 17, 1938, the son of Steve Anthony and Lillian Frances (Markunas) Rutkowski. Charles was united in marriage to Constance Ann Stuessy on December 30, 1961 at St. Mary’s of Lourdes in Belleville. He attended St. Joseph Elementary School and St. Catherine’s High School where he played football, wrestling, track and baseball in the summer. He went on to earn a teaching degree in Bio-Science and English from Ripon College, where he also played football and track. Charles came from an athletic family; his father played semi-pro football for the Racine Raiders and his mother was in the All American Baseball League during WWII, where she was a pitcher for the Racine Belles. Charles, himself played pro-football as a first year rookie for the Buffalo Bills in 1960 and the Boston Patriots in 1961(now known as the New England Patriots). He also served in the Army Reserves as a commissioned officer, Second Lieutenant serving at Fort Benning, Georgia and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri as Base Commander. Charles taught school and coached football and wrestling at Round Lake, Illinois. He coached football and boys track at McHenry, Illinois before coaching football and girls track for 32 years at Valders, Wisconsin. He is survived by his loving wife Constance, five children, Jean (David), Steve, Susan (Matt), Kate (Gianni) and Sara (David); nine grandchildren and 6 step-grandchildren. In accordance with Charles’ wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held at the BRINK LOUNGE, 701 East Washington Ave, Madison from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM on Sunday, September 15, 2013. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave 608-831-6761 www.gundersonfh.com
In accordance with Charles’ wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held at the BRINK LOUNGE, 701 East Washington Ave, Madison from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM on Sunday, September 15, 2013.
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Ron & Carol Sickinger
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Our condolences to Connie & family.
Chuck was a wonderful coach and human being, a very kind man. We will always
be thankful that he coached our daughters track team. He was a great coach (one of the best Valders ever had), and a good friend.
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Ava Ulness
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My deepest sympathy to you, Connie and family. My family and I have many fond memories of Chuck using his talent and skills remodeling our house and being a part of our daily lives for 6 plus months! He always had a story or joke for the kids including the day he came and told them that he was turning "double nickels" that day in January 1993! As a coach, he taught a lot of life lessons to his athletes for both on and off the field/track. Thanks to him for getting through to them when their parents couldn't! We lost a very kind, humble friend!
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Ellen Wilhelm
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Dearest Connie,
Deepest Sympathy for your loss. Chuck was indeed a coaching institution at Valders for so many years. It would be impossible to count the number of lives the two of you have touched with your coaching. I humbly thank you on behalf of those who will be unable to do so for themselves as I have witnessed first hand the difference you have made to others. Please know that you and your family are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, hugs, and blessings,
Ellen
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Steve Rutkowski
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