Gene Norbert Rutledge, age 92 of Austin, died Thursday May 3, 2012, at the Faribault Care Center. He was born Dec. 6, 1919, to Orbit and Julia (Stefanski) Rutledge in Fairmont, Minn. The family moved to Sioux Falls, S.D. and then to Austin. Gene enlisted in the Army during World War II where he was stationed in the Aleutian Islands. He married Mary Erickson on Jan. 11, 1947, in Austin. After his honorable discharge from the service, he worked for the Hormel Company as a mechanic for over 30 years. Golfing, hunting, fishing, gardening and camping were his hobbies. He enjoyed sports and the great outdoors. He traveled the country with his wife in their motor home, visiting family and friends. Many fishing and camping trips were made with his family up North. He enjoyed his fishing trips the most. Many stories included that big fish that was caught. Gene was a member of Queen of Angels Catholic Church and VFW Post 1216. Mary died in November of 1998. Gene moved to the Faribault Care Center in 2010.

Survivors include a son, Douglas (Debra) Rutledge of Austin; three grandchildren, Trent (Maren) Rutledge; Jeremy Rutledge and Michael Rutledge, all of Austin; three great grandchildren; sisters, Joanne (Robert) Steinbrink of Chatfield and Sharon (Robert) Gullickson of Florida; sister-in-law, Eileen Keist of Austin; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his parents, Orbit and Julia; brothers, Jack and Stan; a sister, Joyce Paulson.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with Father Dale Tupper officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service. Interment is at Calvary Cemetery in Austin with military honors by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.