Dale Leslie Rutzen

Dale Leslie Rutzen, 86, of Mankato, died Sunday, July 2, 2017, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, Minnesota.

His funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 6, at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Mankato, with Rev. Trish Reedstrom and Rev. John Peterson officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at church, beginning at 9 a.m. Interment will be at Hersey Cemetery in Brewster, Minnesota.

Dale was born on September 10, 1930 to Frank and Mae (Pierce) Rutzen in Worthington, Minnesota. He attended rural schools and graduated from Brewster High School. He served in the United States Air Force. Dale married Irene Karschnik on September 3, 1951. He was employed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation in Mankato for 31 years; he retired in 1990. Dale enjoyed bowling, playing cards, pool, sports- he was an avid Vikings and Twins fan, fishing, and spending time with his pets.

Dale is survived by his wife, Irene; daughter, Darene Rutzen; brothers, David (Wanda) Rutzen of Worthington, Minnesota and Dennis (Jean) Rutzen of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota; sister-in-laws, Carol Rutzen of Brewster, Minnesota, Alice McCarty of Sibley, Iowa, Donna Karschnik of Dundee, Minnesota, and Muriel Karschnik of Worthington, Minnesota; beloved dog, Murphy; beloved cat, Lola Mae; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dale was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Don Rutzen.