Rutzen, Gordon V. Of Mukwonago. Formerly of West Allis. Crunched his last number on Oct. 18, 2007, eight days after he reached his 93rd birthday. Preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Betty Jane Rutzen (nee Worm) and precious 7 year old son, Randall Craig Rutzen. Teacher, mentor and devoted father of Kevin (Ellen) Rutzen. Cherished grandpa of Katie (Jason) Kropidlowski, Karl Rutzen, Krystal (fiance Kevin Meffle) Rutzen. Awesome great-grandpa of Willow (age 6) and Devin Rutzen (age 5), and Ethan (age 3) and Ella Kropidlowski (age 1). Gordon loved his garden and spent many hours protecting it from deer, rodents and neighbor kids; but he never passed up the opportunity to be out in the yard with his grandchildren having them help with wood or leaves just to give them rides in the trailer. Gordon also spent many a cold winter evening tooling leather, making belts, purses, wallets, etc.; but crafting wooden toys and ornaments for his grandkids was a great thrill for him. Whenever you showed up and he was wearing "the apron", you knew you were getting a scrumptious steak or kabob off his stone barbecue that he had built. Gordon was a cost accountant for Allis Chalmers for 35 years before retiring in 1976. In his later years, he enjoyed monthly dinners with "South Division Old Timers". Visitation at the Funeral Home Thurs., Oct. 25, 4-6:45PM. Funeral Service 7PM. Private interment Arlington Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to AngelsGrace Hospice: www.angelsgracehospice.org. ...And Dad, strawberries were on sale this week at Pick 'n Save! Condolences to: www.krausefuneralhome.com KRAUSE FUNERAL HOMES and Cremation Service 12401 W. National Ave 262-786-8009
Published in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Oct. 21 to Oct. 22, 2007