It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Christopher Michael Rutkowski(66) in Lakeland, FL on December 18, 2024. He was preceded in death by his father, George A. Rutkowski Sr. and mother, Marie E. Rutkowski (nee Cozart). He was survived by former spouse and mother of his children, Catherine Szalony Rutkowski, his sons, Jeremy Rutkowski (Kay), Joshua Rutkowski (Allison), Jonathon Rutkowski (Taylor), and Julie Rutkowski and his grandchildren, Christopher Rutkowski(Mini-Me), Emma Rutkowski(Emma-Me), Tatiana Rutkowski(Tati), Lizzie Rutkowski(Lizzard), Charlotte Rutkowski(Cha), Amelia Rutkowski(Smoosh), Daisy Maverick Rutkowski, and Oliver James Michael Rutkowski(Ollie), and his siblings Cathy(Jay), Nick(Jan), Judy, Linda(Jack), and George Jr.

Christopher worked for Ford Motor Company for most of his professional career at the Wayne ISA (Integral Stamping & Assembly), eventually ascending to Tool & Die apprenticeship. He retired in 2016 after 30+ years of employment for Ford Motor Company. He eventually moved down to Lakeland, FL with his sister, Judy and brother, George to enjoy retired life. He often visited Michigan and West Virginia to spend time with his children and their families. He especially cherished the time he spent with his beloved grandchildren for whom he lived to see grow and mature.

His favorite passion was playing his favorite online game, World of Warcraft. He made many friends far and wide across the globe building friendships that would span 20 years. He lost his best friend, Brian Vaughan (Eanyen), in 2022. The best memories of the two of them online would have them akin to Grumpy Old Men or Statler and Waldorf as they enjoyed each other’s company throughout the fantasy world of Azeroth. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention his many other companions, Collin(Kittens), Justin(Blackshirt), Beth(Gertigirl), Jim(Thogar), Jeff, Troy, Denise, and many others. He often spent a large amount of that time playing World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy 14 with his grandchildren, Christopher and Emma, who he often guided them through the world as much as they taught him new ways to play.

Celebration of life will be completed this summer with many family and friends who will share many happy memories of how he lived and loved.

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