John E. Rutkowski

MOUNT HOPE – John E. Rutkowki, age 81, of Mount Hope, passed away on Monday, June 3, 2024, at Dove Health Care in Fennimore, WI.  He was born on August 26, 1942, the son of Anthony and Margaret (Bauer) Rutkowski.   John graduated from Boys Tech High School in Milwaukee.  He worked as a mechanic in his younger years and for his father on the family mink ranch until his passing.  On June 1, 1961, John was united into marriage to Alicia C. Harmeyer at St. James Catholic Church in Franklin, WI. Together they farmed in Franklin. In 1969 Alicia and John purchased a farm in Mount Hope. He also did custom farm harvesting for many in the area.  John was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Patch Grove.  He enjoyed going to auctions, buying and selling farm machinery.   

Survivors include his daughter, Liz Herrick and her daughters, Meagan, Rachel, and Caitlin; his siblings: Linda Coates, Mary Gollner, Dorothy Bringe, Paul Rutkowski, Dick (Joan) Rutkowski; many nieces, nephews and other friends.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife Alicia; a son, Gene; siblings: Carol (Wally) Hablewicz, Joan Jacobus, Jim and David Rutkowski.

Private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John’s Catholic Church in Patch Grove with Father Sudhakar Devarapu officiating. Private family burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Patch Grove.  Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Bloomington is assisting the family.

The family would like to thank the staff at Dove Health Care for the kindness and support given to John during these past several years.