John F. Rutledge

John F. Rutledge, 88, of East Moline, Illinois, passed away Monday, March 30, 2020, at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Rock Island, Rock Island, Illinois.

Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, under the direction of Trimble Funeral Home. Burial will be in Rock Island National Cemetery.

John Francis Rutledge was born August 8, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Clarence Benjamin and Marie (Silk) Rutledge. He attended public schools until enlisting in the U.S. Army at the age of 16, retiring 20 years later in the grade of Sergeant Major. During these years, John served with the 3rd Infantry Division in Korea (1950-1952), and as Military Advisor to the 9th ARVN Infantry Division in Vietnam (1965-1966). He served two tours in Germany, where he met and married Helga Notz on February 1, 1963.

Following his military service, he worked for the Department of the Army as an Ammunition Specialist, and subsequent to retirement as consultant to two munitions contractors.

He was a member of the VFW, and member/former vice-chairman of VUMS (Veterans of Underage Military Service). He enjoyed reading (especially history), crossword puzzles, traveling, and writing letters to newspapers.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Helga; three sons, John F. Rutledge, Jr. of Baltimore, Maryland, Bill (Dana) Rutledge of Satsuma, Alabama, and James (Kelly) Rutledge of Old Bridge, New Jersey; and three grandchildren, Megan, Abigail and Steven Rutledge. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Bill and Robert Rutledge.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.