Gordon "Gordie" Joseph Rutkowski

Gordon “Gordie” Joseph Rutkowski, age 86, of Wausau, WI, passed away in the early morning hours on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the Aspirus Hospice House, with his family by his side. He was born on April 16, 1940, to the late Matthew and Josephine (Gorecki) Rutkowski in Milwaukee, WI. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1961, serving his country until his honorable discharge in 1965. Gordie met the love of his life, Bernadine Kostroski, and the two were married on May 2, 1964, in Rothschild, WI, a union lasting over 62 years. She survives.

Gordie worked in the construction business for the majority of his life, retiring in 2005. He and Bernie are members of the Wausau Bible Church for over 20 years, and was a member of the Wausau Ringnecks Pheasant Club.

He enjoyed many activities, and they all seemed to take place outdoors, where he could hunt and fish. His 55 acres in Peplin were like his second home and where he spent a lot of time. He liked to cut wood and work on the trails on the property. He also enjoyed watching the Brewers & Packers games, unless they were losing because then he’d turn them off. He enjoyed motorcycling, four-wheeling, snowmobiling, playing card games, tending to the garden, and making his family and friends his world-famous salsa and chili. Gordie loved his family dearly and would be at all of the family gatherings and holiday get-togethers. He adored his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and was so proud of all of them.

His friends and family remember him as a really funny and likable person with a very positive attitude about life. He was a great dad, that was always there for his family and friends when they needed him.

Gordie is survived by his wife: Bernadine “Bernie” of Wausau, son: Mark Rutkowski of Wausau, and children: Cathrin (Corey) Andersen, Cassy Ransanici, Cherise (Ben) and Reed Rutkowski; and son: Michael (Joan) Rutkowski of Merrill, and children: Kristopher (Leah) and Kelli (Matt) Hanicker; and daughter: Jodi Lyn (Shane) Rader of Wausau, and daughter: Eliana, and four great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his brother: Gary (Carla) Rutkowski and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law and extended family members and good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 3 p.m. at Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Weston. Pastor Chris Juvinall will officiate. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. A private burial with military honors at the Northwoods Veterans Cemetery in Harshaw, WI, will have taken place prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Wausau Bible Church.

The family wishes to extend their thanks and appreciation to the Aspirus Hospice House for their support and care shown to Gordie and his family during his last days.

Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Weston is honored to assist Gordie’s family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.brainardhelke.com.