William J RUTKOWSKI

2 JUN 1940 - 8 MAR 2016

• BIRTH: 2 JUN 1940, South Bend, IN
• DEATH: 8 MAR 2016, Niles, Berrien County, MI

INDEX

[N416] William Rutkowski
June 2, 1940 - Mar. 8, 2016
NILES - William “Bill” Rutkowski, 75, of Niles, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, with his daughter at his side. He was born to the late Harry J. and Blanche (Plonski) Rutkowski on June 2, 1940, in South Bend, Indiana. Bill attended Lydick High School in South Bend and was a lifelong resident of Niles. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Bill returned home and raised a family. Bill was an avid outdoors-man, and enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping up north with friends and family. His particular passion was playing music and song writing; he was a member of the band Lil Jerry for many years: “We've seen him play everything but the drums.”He was preceded in death by his parents, significant other, Mary Brewer; sister, Connie Rutkowski; and brother, Harry Rutkowski Jr. He leaves to cherish his memory to his children, Donald Rutkowski-VanLue, Suzzann Rutkowski and Randy (Diane) Rutkowski; eleven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. The family would like to thank granddaughter, Sierra Rutkowski, for the special care she provided during his final days. A graveside service will be held on Friday, March 11, 2016, at 10 o'clock in the morning at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made in William's memory to The National Rifle Association, PO Box 420648, Palm Coast, Florida 32142.Condolences, photos and memories of William may be shared with his family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles. Published in South Bend Tribune on Mar. 10, 2016