Helmut Rutschkowski

Helmut Rutschkowski, a resident of Winchester for the past five years, passed away peacefully at the Winchester District Memorial Hospital, with his family by his side, on Fri., June 6, 2008, following a lengthy battle with lung cancer. He was 75.
Helmut was born in East Germany on Nov. 17, 1932 to his parents Daniel and Maria Rutschkowski (nee Sokolowski). He lived in East Germany until 1950 when he immigrated to Canada at the age of 18. He eventually moved to Ottawa, and in 1961 he met Johanna Balreich whom he married in September of 1964.
He learned the trade of brick masonry which he continued throughout his life, and he was well respected in that trade. Helmut was a hard working, independent man with a heart of gold. He loved to joke with his sisters Elli and Irene. He loved animals, gardening, and going out for breakfast with his daughter Johanne. He was man who lived a simple life, and he will be deeply missed by family and friends, but never forgotten for he enriched the lives of all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife Johanna of Winchester, his daughter Johanne Rutschkowski (Robert Dubois) of RR#2 Chesterville, and his sister Irene Ganslmaier of St. Isidore. He was predeceased by sisters Edith Bachinger and Elli Jonas, and brothers Albert and Gerhard. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home in Williamsburg on Thurs., June 12 from 9 to 10:30am. A Memorial service will be held at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Williamsburg on Thurs., June 12 at 11am with Rev. Ted Guthrie officiating, followed by interment of cremated remains at Maple Ridge Cemetery in Chesterville. The pallbearers are Ronnie Jonas, Shane Jonas, Paul Gallant, and Dave Bungay.
Donations to the S.P.C.A., Winchester District Memorial Hospital, or the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.