Geraldine M Rutkowski

Geraldine M. "Gerry" Rutkowski, a beautiful, loving woman, 92, of Port Huron passed away Wednesday, September 16, 2020 in her home with her son by her side. She was born June 11, 1928 in Port Huron to the late Michael & Verna Malane.

Geraldine attended and graduated from St. Stephen High School on June 9, 1946. After World War II she worked at Chrysler Corporation in Marysville where she met the love of her life, Ted Rutkowski. They married on February 26, 1949 and owned and operated Ted Rutkowski Real Estate & Insurance. They also operated and ran a successful residential construction company, building and remodeling several new & existing homes over the years. Geraldine not only managed the office, but was also involved in the labor end of the business. It was normal to see this little woman up on a ladder with a hammer or paintbrush doing whatever needed to be done. Despite this crazy long work schedule, she always took time to make the most delicious meals for her family (other than liver and onions, which her son hated). In the eyes of her husband, children and grandchildren, she was the most super woman of all time.

Ted and Geraldine had a large group of friends who would travel up north, down south and to Europe for polka or any other festivals. She even golfed with her husband and son always saying “Are we done yet?”, meaning it was not her cup of tea.

Gerry was a founding member of St. Mary Catholic Church where she served as a Eucharistic Minister. She was also a member and past Treasure of the League of Catholic Women.

She is survived by her loving children, daughter, Florence (Jan) Cwikowski and son, Gerald Rutkowski, who she called Sugar Burger when he was good; six siblings, Theresa, Mary, Frances, Judith, William and Marcia; grandkids, Brian Cwikowski, John Cwikowski and Jan Marie Pacheco-Montero; nine great grandkids; two great-great grandkids; cousin, Barbara Fair; and several brothers-in-law, nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ted Rutkowski; six sisters, Margaret, Joann, Betty Jane, Donna, Patricia and Bernadine; and brother, Michael.

Visitation will be from 2-6 pm on Sunday, September 20, 2020 in Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home. A limited number of people will be allowed in at a time. Please wear a mask for the comfort and safety of others.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, September 21, 2020 in St. Mary Catholic Church. The Reverend Zbigniew Zomerfeld will officiate.

Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Geraldine’s grandsons, Brian and John Cwikowski; nephews, Walter Parry and Brian and Andrew Balogh; and brother in-law, John Anter. Honorary pallbearers will be David Ruiz, Bruce Harris, Fred Whitican, James Lusko, Michael Bachler, Deborah Majeski and Michelle Jonas.

Gerry’s family would like to thank the staff of McLaren Hospice for their care and heartfelt kindness and a special thanks for all her friends, especially Tony and Helena Banner.

Memorial contributions in Geraldine’s name may be made to the Council on Aging Starpath Adult Day Services or St. Mary Catholic Church.