Jerry Rutledge

Fairview – Gerald H. “Jerry” Rutledge, 89, of Fairview, formerly of Marietta and East Moline, died at 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at Graham Hospital Extended Care in Canton.

He was born April 18, 1925 in McDonough County, to John F. and Fern (Haffner) Rutledge.  He married Wanda Wright on November 8, 1947 in Canton.  She preceded him in death on April 7, 1989.

He is survived by four children, Connie (James) Mink of Rapids City, Jerry (Linda) Rutledge of Hillsdale, Michael (Juwana) Rutledge of Abingdon, and Nancy (Mike) Quick of Ellisville; twelve grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Gordon, Roland, and Doyle Rutledge; and two sisters, Juanita Williams and Betty Ellis.

Jerry was a veteran of the United States Army, serving his country during World War II.  For many years, Jerry and Wanda owned/operated Jerry’s Meat Market in East Moline, and following its closing, he worked as a carpenter.

Jerry loved hunting, particularly coon hunting.  He enjoyed raising beagles and riding mules, which he did into his early 80’s.  He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and dancer.  He especially enjoyed the time he spent dancing with his wife and his sister, Betty.

Jerry was a member of the Roy Miller American Legion Post #644 in Fairview and Wiley Lutheran Church.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Graham Hospital Extended Care, for the comfort and care they gave to Jerry and his family; and also to the town of Fairview, for their welcoming nature.  They are a perfect example of what a small town really means.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton, where visitation will be held one hour prior to services.  Burial, with military honors, will be at Wiley Cemetery in rural Ellisville.

Memorials may be made to Graham Hospital Extended Care.

To view Jerry’s tribute video, or to leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.