Family Log-In

Click Here

Arlene Evelyn (Robinson) Rutkowski passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 21st, 2018, surrounded by members of her loving family at Green Acres Assisted Living Facility in Manistee. She was born November 27, 1926, in Detroit, Michigan, and was the daughter of the late Ernest and Clara Robinson. Raised in Detroit, Arlene moved with her family to Manistee in 1970, where she lived for the remainder of her life.

On October 1, 1951, Arlene married the love of her life, Raymond Rutkowski of Detroit. The insistence by a mutual neighbor and friend that they be introduced to one another turned out to be love at first sight. After Ray’s service in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII and subsequent steps to secure his career as a Detroit Police Officer, they were married and remained together for more than 66 years at the time of her death.

Arlene was a devoted wife and mother to her husband and their six children. As the children grew up, she was actively involved in all their childhood and school activities. The children’s dear mother was a true angel and the sunshine of their lives. She always had time for a hug, a talk, a kiss. Just hearing her voice made the children’s day brighter.

Referred to as “mom” by so many individuals that had the great fortune of knowing her, Arlene was a loving, charismatic role model, mentor, counselor and honesty broker. Her ability to make you feel relevant, important and loved were attributes sought after and cherished by many. Those attributes were cultivated through the many family medical hardships experienced over the span of her life. Among her greatest strengths was the unconditional love she extended to all and her ability to find good in all people.

Besides her parents, Arlene was preceded in death by her brother, Bud, and sisters, June and Lola. Arlene was also predeceased by two of her children and a great-grandson. Her loving children, Elaine and David (“Hockey Dave”) and great-grandchild, Andrew Raymond (son of granddaughter Jennifer and Nick DePalma), earned their Angel wings and have been waiting for mom and great-grandmother to join them in heaven.

Surviving Arlene is her loving family that includes husband, Raymond, of Manistee, four daughters, nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Oldest daughter Michelle (Jim) Davis of Prior Lake, MN, and grandson Brad (Lisa) and great-grandchildren Mason and Jackson; granddaughter Jennifer (Nick) and great-granddaughter Mara; and, grandson Adam (Heather) and great-grandchildren Logan and Lainey. Second oldest daughter Deborah (John) Roskowski of West Olive, MI, and grandson Ryan (Julie) and great-grandchildren Kaden and Kayla; grandson Aaron and great-grandchildren Greyson and Taylor; and, grandson Brandon (Kelly) and great-grandchildren Raegan and Westin. Third oldest surviving daughter Carol (John) Walter of Manistee and granddaughter Brianna. Youngest daughter Lisa (Bob) Patulski of Coopersville, MI and grandchildren Eric and Emma. Survivors also include two sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Green Acres Assisted Living Facility for the care provided to Arlene during her stay. The compassion and respect demonstrated by staff was heartfelt.
Services will be held at a later date.
Oak Grove Cremation Center in Manistee has been retained by the family. Visit Arlene’s personal page of memories at www.oakgrovefh.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Manistee County Humane Society/Homeward Bound Animal Shelter or the American Breast Cancer Foundation.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Arlene Evelyn Rutkowski (Robinson), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.