Theresa Rutkowski
Dexter, MI
Her Legacy… Theresa Mary Rutkowski, 99, passed away July 1, 2024. She was born on April 4, 1925, in Detroit, Michigan to John Kopydlowski and Rose (Marchewitz) Kopydlowski. Theresa married the love of her life, Leo Stanley Rutkowski, on November 26, 1953, in Detroit, Michigan. Theresa and Leo purchased a working farm in Dexter, Michigan in 1960, where they raised cattle, hogs, sheep and chickens. After Leo passed away in 1965, Theresa’s family asked her to move back to Detroit so that they could help with her four children, but the farm was a dream of theirs and Theresa and children stayed there. She was very independent, even working as a Rosie the Riveter during WWII. Theresa was always involved in her children’s activities whether it be the drama club, football, basketball, track, volleyball and 4-H horse events. As her children grew older and moved out of state she loved to travel and visit them. She would travel to North Carolina, Colorado and Utah frequently to see them. Theresa was a very active and loving member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dexter and often walked to Mass from Cottonwood Condos where she resided the last 35 years of her life. Theresa was a wonderful cook as she loved all holidays, specializing in fudge, pierogis, and fruit cake during the holiday season. She was a much loved community member in Dexter, Michigan. Theresa’s children and grandchildren adored her and she will be deeply missed.
Her Family… Theresa will be missed by her children, Danette Rutkowski- Scharfenberg, Patricia Harrmann, Christopher (Susan) Rutkowski; son-in- law, Tim Fehrle; sister, Maryann Chmielewski; grandchildren, Andrew R. (April) Scharfenberg, Henessey (Stewart) Harrmann-Robertson, Estelle (Tommy) Wright, Tessa Harrmann, Caleb Rutkowski, Cody Rutkowski, Truly Fehrle; great-grandchildren, Arlo Scharfenberg, Edie Scharfenberg, Eliana Robertson, Cambria Wright, Ellie Wright; too numerous to name all her loving nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Leo Rutkowski; parents, John and Rose Kopydlowski; daughter, Donna Fehrle; grandson, Kord R. Scharfenberg; siblings, Aloysie, Anna, Helen, Anthony, George, Clara, John, Edward, Bernadine; and son-in-law, Herm Harrmann.
Her Farewell… Theresa’s family and friends will gather Thursday, July 4, 2024, from 3:00PM-8:00PM (7PM Rosary) at St. Joseph Catholic Country Church, 6805 Mast Rd, Dexter, Michigan. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 5, 2024, at 11:00AM (10AM gathering), at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Village Campus, 3430 Dover St., Dexter, Michigan. Father Brendan Walsh will serve as presider. Memorial contributions are suggested to Meals on Wheels. Please leave a message of comfort for Theresa’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign her guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.
