Joseph Rutkauskas

Joseph Antone Rutkauskas of Fremont, age 92, died Saturday February 18, 2006 at his home following a lengthy illness. He was born May 21, 1913 in Rockford, IL son of the late Joseph and Victoria (Kratilis) Rutkauskas. He graduated from Sheboygan High School and graduated from the Marquette University School of Engineering. He was a member of the PI Mu Epsilon and Sigma Gamma Epsilon fraternities. He was on the wrestling team winning two gold medals. On January 18, 1937 he married Dorothy C. Kneevers in Sheboygan. She preceded him in death February 1, 1998. They lived in Sheboygan where he was manager of Kohler Foundry until moving to Reedsburg in 1950. In Sheboygan he was active at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in fund drives for building the new church and school. While in Reedsburg he was instrumental in organizing the Knights of Columbus. He was employed by the Sheboygan Water Department as superintendent before becoming plant manager of the Grede Foundry in Reedsburg, WI where he won the safety award for industry for the State of Wisconsin. In 1955 he became the proprietor of Root's Lanes in Sheboygan. He was a professional bowler (Joe Root) winning several championships and appearing on Channel 2 television in Green Bay. Besides bowling Joseph enjoyed golf, hunting, fishing and had a great love of the outdoors. They moved to Fremont in 1962. He was a member of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Weyauwega. His children survive him: Victoria (Lloyd) Beilfuss, Fremont; Joseph Jr., Plymouth; Judith (Ron) Liggett, Oshkosh; Rosemary (Ron) Erdmann, Fremont; Dorothy Jo (Roger) Erdman, Owatonna, MN; James, Fremont; Diana (Roger) Gwiazdzienski, Winneconne; Thomas and John, both of Oshkosh; 20 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Besides his parents and wife he was preceded in death by a daughter: Carolyn Russo; 2 sisters and 3 brothers. The Mass of Christian Burial for Joseph will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday February 20, 2006 at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Weyauwega with Rev. Bertin Samsa OFM Cap officiating. Burial will be in the Wolf River Cemetery in the spring. Relatives and friends may call directly at the church on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass.