Wally J. Rutschke
Wally J. Rutschke, 89, of Aberdeen, SD, died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, March 1, at his home in Aberdeen.
Waldemar ‘Wally’ John Rutschke was born November 4, 1936, to John and Clara (Aipperspach) Rutschke in Zeeland, ND. He grew up in Zeeland and attended school there through the 10th grade. The family then moved to Aberdeen where he finished school, graduating from Aberdeen Central High School.
After graduation, Wally enlisted in the United States Navy. Following boot camp, he returned to Aberdeen and married Frances Schilling on March 17, 1956—a date that would have marked their 70th anniversary this year. His naval service took the couple to Naval Station San Diego, California where Wally served aboard the USS Wasp. When the fleet relocated to New York for the construction of the USS Independence, Wally was designated a “Plank Owner” in recognition of his role as a 3rd Class Petty Officer.
Wally and Frances lived briefly in Boston, Massachusetts and Newark, New Jersey before returning to the Dakotas. They moved throughout North and South Dakota, before settling in Aberdeen to raise their family. Wally built his career in construction, working on interstate highways and missile sites, along with mobile home finish work, and became skilled in nearly every facet of the trade. He poured that same craftsmanship into his own home and was always the first to lend a hand on someone else’s project. A licensed plumber with strong abilities in electrical work and carpentry he took pride in doing things with expertise and helping others do the same.
Wally was a longtime member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Aberdeen. He bowled for many years and enjoyed playing cards with friends. Wally loved spending weekends boating at the lake with family and was an avid water skier, despite not being able to swim. He and Frances also cherished their winters in Florida, traveling there with his sister and brother-in-law as snowbirds.
Grateful for having shared Wally’s life are his wife of almost 70 years, Frances Rutschke; their children: Cheryl (Ken Jensen) Olson, Terri (Leland) Hasz, and Mike (Susan Pearson) Rutschke; grandchildren: Aubrey (Jim) O’Connell and their children Brayden and Devynn: Amanda (Mitchell) Zimmer and their daughter Nora: Amy (Josh) Veal and their children Caitlyn, Mason and Peyton: Tyler Hasz and his son Logan: Kristen Rutschke and Stephanie Rutschke; one sister, Lorena Tislau, his aunt Idella Weisenburger, and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding Wally in death are his parents, and his stepfather, Lloyd McGregor.