Carl P. Rutske age 76 of Manistee, Michigan died Saturday night, February 4, 2017 at the Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital in Cadillac, Michigan. He was born on July 22, 1940 in Manistee, Michigan and was the son of the late Walter and Mary (Kowalski) Rutske. He Graduated from Saint Joseph High School in Manistee with the Class of 1958 and was the Valedictorian of his Class and was an active Student Council Officer during his high school years. Carl began his working career right after his graduation from high school, with the Hardy Salt Company where he continued working until AKZO-Nobel shut down the plant and its operations in Manistee. He was elected to the Manistee County Board of Commissioners on January 1, 1983 and served for thirty years until December 31, 2012. He had served as Board Chairman for four years, from January 1, 1991 through December 31, 1994. He also served as Board Vice-Chairman for five years, from January 1, 1995 through December 31, 1999. Served as Chairman of the County Boards Personnel Committee for most of his thirty years on the County Board as well as having served on many other County Board Committees. Carl was also very involved in labor union related activities through-out his career and was an active member of the Democratic Party.

He was a member of the Divine Mercy Parish (Saint Joseph Catholic Church) of Manistee, an active member of the Saint Joseph's Men's Club and a third degree member of the Monsignor J. M. Steffes Council #853 Knights of Columbus.

Carl was proceeded in death by his sister; Geraldine Rutske on June 18, 2011.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, February 10, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee with Reverend Scott Lawler celebrant. Burial will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery also in Manistee.

Relatives and friends will pray the Evening Vigil Service on Thursday evening at 7:30 PM at the Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee, where friends may begin calling Thursday evening after 6:00 PM. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 9:00 PM and on Friday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of leaving for the church at 10:40 AM.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.