Genevieve Rutka
d. October 27, 2015
DOUGHERTY FUNERAL HOME
600 East 2nd Street phone (218) 727-3555
Duluth, Minnesota 55805 Fax (218) 727-7514
Genevieve "Gen" D. Rutka, 94, of Duluth passed away peacefully October 27, 2015 at Golden Oaks, Hermantown after a brief illness. She was born in Duluth February 3, 1921. Genevieve always reminded friends that she was delivered by a female doctor, Dr. Mary McCoy, unusual at the time, in an apartment above her father's People's Market grocery store. Genevieve married the love of her life, Harold, at St Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Duluth during World War ll, while Harold was on leave from pilots' school. Genevieve was a graduate of Duluth Denfeld and Duluth Junior College. Genevieve's career involved many Federal service positions, retiring as the of?ce administrator to the 23"' NORAD Region Commander Major General Thomas H. Bar?eld, at the then, active duty Duluth Air Force Base. Her Duluth Junior College skills and personal commitment to excellence provided her with many skills which allowed her to participate in many high level meetings and activities during the Cold War period. The personal activity she most cherished was she and Harold co-chairing, for 25 years, the 34"'Air Corp Bombardment (H) of the heralded Mighty 8"'Air Force Group of WWII reunions throughout the world. She served on the board of The Eighth Air Force Historical Society. Genevieve also served in a number of
organizations to include the National Association of Retired Employees (NARFE) and the American Legion Auxiliary. Genevieve was a proud, lifelong member of St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church of Duluth.
Genevieve was preceded in death by her parents, John and Helen (Lasinski) Brajkovich, husband, Harold C.; her brother and sister-in law, Robert and Joyce Rutka.
She is survived by nephews Dr. Robert (Carole) Rutka, (children Ben, Chris and Becky), Timothy Rutka (children Peter and David); and her niece, JoAnn (Robert) Porter (son Tony) and many lifelong friends.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Steven Long and staff, the St. Luke's Hospice Team and the 5 years extraordinary care provided by the staff of Golden Oaks, Hermantown. Based on Genevieve's personal request, a PRIVATE SERVICE will be held.