William Rutledge

William Arvid Rutledge, born June 14, 1945, in Sault Ste. Marie, MI to Leonard and Margaret (Hill) Rutledge, passed away peacefully at Pennington Home in Pickford on January 19, 2023. Bill attended Pickford Schools, graduating in 1963. He was active in the track program and was on the teams that won the UP track championships. Bill married Susan Nye of Hessel on August 7, 1965. They were married 57 years and resided in Hessel. Bill was drafted in May 1968 into the US Army to be trained and sent to Vietnam. He served with the 25th Infantry and earned the rank of Sargent. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal, Army Sharpshooter Badges (Rifle M-14, Rifle M-16), and a First Class Gunner Badge (M-60MG). Upon discharge in May 1970, he went to work for US Steel/Michigan Limestone Operations in Cedarville, where he retired after 30 years. Bill was a past Commander of the Law-White #7958 VFW Post in Hessel. He was also a member of the VFW Pool League. Bill was a past member of the Les Cheneaux Snowmobile Club, where he was a groomer and worked on trail maintenance. Bill enjoyed softball, golfing, pool, and cooking. He was a fantastic cook, always trying new recipes and always keeping his family well-fed. He made the best omelets in the world. Bill and Susie have one son: Andrew; and three grandchildren: Zoe (17), Elliot (14), and Piper (11). They were his pride and joy. He was predeceased by his parents, siblings: Mary Lynn (Vern) Huyck, Glen Rutledge, Lauretta Atkins, Marjorie (Stanley) Schmitigal, and Jack (Betty) Rutledge; brothers-in-law: Reginald Wilson, and Duane (Barney) Brown; sister-in-law: Belva Rutledge; parents-in-law: Vernie and Elda Nye. He is survived by his wife, son, grandchildren, siblings: Arla Jean Wilson, James Rutledge, and Glenda Brown; siblings-in-law: Jeri and John Griffin, Sally Nye, and Tom and Debbie Nye; many nieces and nephews, plus many great-nieces and nephews. A private graveside service will be held this summer per Bill's wishes at the Cedar Cemetery in Cedarville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Pennington Home, 665 S. Pleasant Street, Pickford, MI 49774.

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William Rutledge

June 14, 1945 - January 19, 2023