Ann Lois Rutkoske

Ann Lois Rutkoske

MARQUETTE — Ann Lois Rutkoske, age 77 of Marquette, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2024, at Brookridge Heights Assisted Living, Memory Care Unit, in the loving care of her family and caregivers at Brookridge Hights and Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice. Ann was Born on November 7, 1946, in Escanaba, Mich., a daughter of the late Thomas and Janice (Kelley) Vinette. Ann was a beacon of Creativity and intelligence, her life was a tapestry of dedication, artistry, and love.

Ann’s early years were spent in Escanaba, where she graduated from Holy Name High School in 1965. Her passion for helping others led her to Northern Michigan University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology in 1969. She began her career by contributing to the public school system in Southeastern Wisconsin, working in the speech pathology program which was managed by CESA for two years.

The year 1971 marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership when Ann married Timothy Rutkoske, the love of her life, on July 10 in her hometown of Escanaba. The couple’s journey took them to Forest Lake, Minn., in 1973, and by 1977 they had settled in West Bend, Wis., where they started their family. It was in West Bend that Ann’s entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly as she started her in-home business specializing in alterations.

In 2005, Ann and Timothy moved to Marquette, where she founded the Superior Sewing Studio on Spring Street. Her studio became a hub of creativity until its closure in June 2020. Ann’s artistic flair was not confined to her studio; she participated in art shows and had a profound love for working with flowers. She designed her own labyrinth on their property, a testament to her creativity and connection to nature.

A woman of many talents, Ann was deeply committed to her yoga practice, which she performed daily. Her intelligence and creativity were also expressed through the written word, as she penned several poems throughout her life. Ann’s love for the outdoors was evident in her enjoyment of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, activities that allowed her to embrace the beauty of the Upper Peninsula’s winters.

Ann maintained friendships from everywhere she lived from the time she was a child. Ann’s generosity extended beyond her family as she volunteered her time and skills, altering prom dresses for Bay Cliff, a cause close to her heart. Her legacy is one of service, creativity, and love, a legacy that will be carried on by those who knew her.

Ann’s memory is cherished by her devoted husband, Timothy, and their children: Emily (Pierre) Kornak of Elk Horn, Wis., Claire (Jenny Roanhouse) Rutkoske of Cudahy, Wis., and David Rutkoske of Seattle, Wash. She is also survived by her sister, Joan Vinette of Munising, Mich., and brother, Thomas (Maggie) Vinette of Lake Ann, Mich., as well as her stepmother, Ruthie Vinette of Escanaba, and stepbrothers, Chris (April) Branson of Traverse City, Mich., and Dan (Roxanne) Branson of Escanaba.

Ann was preceded in death by her beloved son, Paul Rutkoske; her parents; her sister, Mary Vinette; and her stepbrother, Jeff Branson.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Brookridge Heights and Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice for their special care and love.

Ann’s life was a journey of passion, creativity, and dedication. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. Memorials in honor of Ann Lois Rutkoske will support the Bay Cliff Health Camp and Lake Superior Hospice, organizations that reflect her spirit of giving and her commitment to the well-being of others. Ann’s life story is a reminder of the impact one individual can have through a life well-lived, filled with love, art, and compassion.

A celebration of life will be held at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Friday, June 7. Friends may call beginning at 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. Interment will be made in the Park Cemetery. A reception will be held in the reception room located at the funeral home. Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com