L.J. Rutz

L.J. Rutz Albion L.J. Rutz, 83, of Albion passed away at his residence Monday February 6, 2012. He was born October 17, 1928 in Calhoun County to Layo John and Mona (Edwards) Rutz. He married Phyllis Seitler in 1949 and later married Joyce Sweet Anderson in 1980 and she preceded him in death January 3, 2009. L.J. was born North of Albion and went to the Wines School and later graduated from Albion High School in 1947.He spent his entire life in retail sales. He worked at Cartwright shoes and eventually became owner of the shoe store. He worked briefly at a shoe store in Marshall and then came back to Albion to work at Young's Apparel. He was very active in the Merchants Association which became the Chamber of Commerce and was a former chairman of the board of the Chamber. He was one of the founders of the Albion Festival of the Forks and its third chairman, continuing to be active in the Festival for many years. He was a member of the Albion Rotary Club, A member of St. James Episcopal Church serving on the Vestry as Senior Warden. He enjoyed playing Baseball for the Albion Recorder for many years; he also enjoyed gardening and spending time with his family and special dogs. He is survived by 2 sons, Jay (Rebecca) Rutz of Little Rock, Arkansas and Chris (Cyndi) Anderson; 1 daughter, Lynn K. (Del) Kreger; 3 grandchildren, Allison K. (Quint) Butters, Shawn R. Anderson, and Brook Rutz; 1 great-grandchild, Parker David Wilson; 1 sister, Belva Hagemann; and his faithful companion, Buddy. He was preceded in death besides his wife Joyce, by daughter, Beth Rutz; 4 sisters, Mildred Rose, Elizabeth Knablock, Virginia Downing, and Beverly Rutz; and 2 brothers, Ed and George Rutz. According to his wishes, Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held Thursday February 9, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at the ERIE STREET CHAPEL of the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 208 W. Eire Street, Albion, MI 49224 with Rev. John R. Morris officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday February 8, 2012 at the Funeral Home. Assistance with Memorial Contributions to: St. James Episcopal Church or Allegiance Hospice. is available at the Funeral Home.