Obituary of Walter A. Rutkowski

August 2, 1925 - February 3, 2023

Walter Anthony Rutkowski.  Age 97 of Wyandotte.

Beloved husband of the late Ethel. Loving father of Daniel (Teri) Rutkowski, Sister Sandra Rutkowski, Susan (Gary) Ainsworth and Anthony (Elise) Rutkowski. Dearest grandfather of Steve (Brandy) Rutkowski, David (Katy) Rutkowski, Shelly (Randy) Anderson, the late Amber Hamrick, David Plyler and Steven Plyler. Great grandfather of Odas, Macy, Dillon, Dustin, Myla, Jillian, Jacob, and Carl.

Family Tribute ~

Walter Rutkowski was a Wyandotte man.  He attended St. Stanislaus school through the 8^th grade, and then attended Wyandotte Roosevelt High School.  At 17, he enlisted in the Army, but they made him wait until his 18^th birthday to put him on a train to boot camp.  He served in WWII, stationed in the Pacific, New Guinea.

When he returned home, he met and married his wife, Ethel.  They were married for 69 years.  Together they had 4 children, 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.  Walt drove a cab for a bit, but had a long career with the Wyandotte Police Department.  He retired in 1983.

Walt enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing, and listening to polka and big band music.  His love of fishing was a family affair.  Everyone enjoyed fishing with Walt, either here in Michigan or in Canada.  His personality and sense of humor was contagious.  He did not have one enemy.  He always had a friend or would make one in no time.  He was truly an officer and a gentleman; he treated everyone with dignity, respect and love, and everyone loved and respected him.  He “drove his own boat” to the end.  Nothing ever riled him.  He took everything that came his way like a wave that rolls in the lake until his peaceful passing.