Raymond Rutkowski

Raymond Peter Rutkowski passed away on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, surrounded by members of his loving family at Rest Haven Care Center in Holland, Michigan. He was born on October 19, 1925, in Detroit, Michigan and was the son of Aloysius and Sophia (Wolski) Rutkowski. Raised in Detroit, Ray moved his family to Manistee in 1970 to enjoy life in a small town near Lake Michigan.

During his youth Ray enjoyed his family, school and playing a variety of sports. As a teenager Ray met a very beautiful young lady by the name of Arlene Robinson through a mutual friend and the two of them fell in love instantly. Their relationship was interrupted in January 1944 by Ray’s voluntary service with the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. As a Forward Observer with the 1st Marine Division 11th Battalion, Ray served in Okinawa and China until his discharge in May 1946. Upon his return, Ray and Arlene resumed their courtship and enjoyed many evenings dancing to the music of the big band era featuring such performers as the Glenn Miller Band in their beloved Grande Ballroom. In 1949, Ray began a 25 year career with the Detroit Police Department as a Patrolman. With Ray’s career secured, he and Arlene exchanged wedding vows and married on October 1, 1951. Throughout their more than 66 years of marriage and until Arlene’s unfortunate passing in April 2018 they raised six loving children, continued to enjoy dancing, drives to and around the many lakes of the local area, trips to Florida and, of course, Ray’s passion for golf as a member of the Manistee Golf & Country Club.

Ray was a devoted Catholic who took his faith seriously. He was totally in love with Arlene, provided unconditional love to his children and was committed to providing for his family by working second jobs during his police career.

Besides his parents and wife Arlene, Ray was preceded in death by his siblings Alfred, Jim, Dorothy and Marie. His loving children, Elaine and David (“Hockey Dave”) and great-grandchild, Andrew Raymond (son of granddaughter Jennifer and Nick DePalma) earned their Angel wings and have been waiting for husband, dad and great-grandfather to join them in heaven.

Surviving Ray is his loving family that includes four daughters, nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Oldest daughter Michelle (Jim) Davis of Prior Lake, MN, and grandson Brad (Lisa) and great-grandchildren Mason and Jackson; granddaughter Jennifer (Nick) and great-grandchildren Mara and Matthew; and, grandson Adam (Heather) and great-grandchildren Logan and Lainey. Second oldest daughter Deborah (John) Roskowski of West Olive, MI, and grandson Ryan (Julie) and great-grandchildren Kaden and Kayla; grandson Aaron and great-grandchildren Greyson and Taylor; and, grandson Brandon (Kelly) and great-grandchildren Raegan and Westin. Third oldest surviving daughter Carol (John) Walter of Manistee and granddaughter Brianna. Youngest daughter Lisa (Bob) Patulski of Coopersville, MI and grandchildren Eric and Emma. Survivors also include a sister-in-law, Henrietta Rutkowski, a brother-in-law Maurice St. Germaine and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Rest Haven Care Center in Holland, MI for the professional and loving care provided to Ray during his stay. The compassion and respect demonstrated by staff was what every family would want extended to their loved one.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in Ray’s name to the Manistee County Veterans Van Program or the Detroit Police Widow & Orphan Fund, c/o Detroit Police Benefit & Protective Association, 3031 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48202 (Re: Raymond Rutkowski)