Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Vincent R. Rutzinski

About

Waukesha South High School Milwaukee Area Technical College

Vincent Rutzinski Obituary

Rutzinski, Vincent R. On the morning of November 15, 2006, Vincent R. Rutzinski lost his battle with cancer at the tender age of 26. Diagnosed with a brain tumor on May 6, 2006, Vince fought valiantly from the first day the tumor was detected until his final breath was drawn. Vince left this world holding the hand of his wife, Michelle, at the couple's Brown Deer home. Vince was a graduate of Waukesha South High School and attended the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design as well as the Milwaukee Area Technical College to study photography. Although a talented photographer, Vince's professional life led him to become a paralegal and he worked for Bruck Law Offices in Milwaukee where he met the girl who would later become his wife. Vince was very fond of the East Side Milwaukee lifestyle living with Michelle in the Brady Street neighborhood until his illness. He loved drinking mochas at Starbucks, perusing the local shops, and indulging in the neighborhood's varied eateries. Vince was a great collector of music, movies and well-illustrated comic books. He relished life and lived every moment to the fullest. Vince is survived by his wife, Michelle La Count, his brother, Nick Rutzinski of Milwaukee, his mother, Jane Batha and step-father, John Spaulding, grandmothers Jean (Otto)Batha and Naomi (Applegate) Rutzinski, all of Waukesha, aunts and uncles Joel and Kathy (Ptacek) Batha, Joan (Rutzinski) and Marc Loden, all of Madison, Joy (Batha) and Joe Smoger of Waukesha, and Ron Rutzinski of Sussex, as well as several cousins, great-aunts and great-uncles. He was preceded in death by his father, Michael Rutzinski and grandfathers, John Batha and Roman Rutzinski, all of Waukesha. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2006, at the Cesarz, Charapata, Zinnecker Funeral Home in Waukesha, 237 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM with a Service to follow at the same location beginning at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated and may be directed to the family, to be used for a foundation being created in Vincent's honor. For additional information, please contact the funeral home at 262-542-6609. For an online obituary, directions, or to leave condolences go to www.waukeshafuneralhome.com. Vincent's time here may have been short, but the impact of his spirit will be felt forever in the hearts of those who loved him.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Nov. 16, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Vincent Rutzinski

22 Entries

Dave Teske

December 6, 2006

It is with extreme sadness and heartbreak that I offer my thoughts of sympathy to Vince's family. I only learned of his passing today (12-6-2006) as I stopped at the museum to visit old friends. Vince and I knew each other through the museum and so many times we would have wonderful, heartfelt conversations. I have a son Vince's age and it brings me great sorrow knowing the pain you are experiencing. Vince made a remarkable impact on my life and I can honestly say I was truly blessed to have had the opportunity to know such a fine young man. It is my hope that the memories and love shared will help you through this difficult time. God has opened his loving and caring arms and will keep Vince in his care until the day where we all meet again. God Bless you Vince.
Sincerely, Dave Teske (Former ESS Manager, MPM)

Enjoli Varnado

November 25, 2006

I worked with Vince at the Milwaukee Public Museum for over 4 years and he was a cool guy. I was shocked and I'm still shocked that he's gone in flesh, but I hope with the many memories that are shared throughout time that his spirit will remain as vibrant as he was in the flesh. God bless you to the family, be strong and fear not because GOD is with you all the days of your life. I lost my father to cancer one year ago, its a devastating disease, but trust and he will deliver you from your pain and sorrow.

Monique Bunch

November 22, 2006

I am extremely sorry to hear about your lost. I remember the first time I met Vince, working at the Milwaukee Public Museum. I knew then that he was in deed a special person and someone that I would never forget. After loosing contact with him for some years, we ran into each other off and on, Vince I will miss you more than you know and to Michelle, although I never met you. I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts. Rest in Peace Vince.

Christy Bonsell

November 20, 2006

Dear Jane,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

Melody

November 19, 2006

I met Vince at a Benjamins show. Our love for music created a friendship and many vivid memories. I am now regretting the times that I could have shared with him. Vince: I am really sorry that I didn't accept your kindness when you extended your hand and heart. You are missed dude, hard core.

Diane Schmerling

November 18, 2006

Please accept my deepest sympathies. Vince was a good person, we were close along time ago and had lost touch unfortunately. He will be missed, and I am so sorry for your loss.

Jim & Jana Lawton

November 18, 2006

On behalf of our daughter, Jenna, a friend of Vince's when he worked at MPM, we mourn the loss of his spirit along with his dearly beloved wife, Michelle and his family who he loved very much. He was a kind, creative, sensitive human being and had such a wonderful sense of humor! Our hearts go out to you all, Jim and Jana Lawton

Pat WELCH

November 17, 2006

Dear Grandmother Jean, Your Red Hat Friends send our thoughts and prayers to you and the family of Vincent. Know he will be greatly missed by many. He sounds like an outstanding young man who was just getting started in his life. Love, Pat Welch and all the Rosey HATitudes.

Reino Herlevi

November 17, 2006

Vince was a great guy.Mr. Vince wanted me to grow a beard.I did. I saw Vince a while back and he said I looked great with the beard.

Diana Tran Calderonello

November 17, 2006

We are deeply sorry for your lost and have read wonderful things about Vince via Michelle. Our prayers are being sent from Las Vegas, Nevada. Praying for peace and courage as you begin your healing process.

Michelle, I have been following your posts of Vince and admire the love and devotion you have for him. I wanted to contact you many, many times because our paths are so similar and wanted to let you know how much you have helped me.

Your love story with Vince is something wonderful. Please use your love to help you in this next "stage."

all my best

Diana Tran Calderonello
wife of Josh
dx GBM 7/03

Niki Espy

November 17, 2006

I worked with Vince at the Milwaukee Public Museum. He was a great guy and will be missed by many people. I wish Vince's family peace and blessings.

Jon Phillip

November 17, 2006

Vince was a great and emotional guy. Him and I had a falling out a while back and I regret being such a stupid immature child It just goes to show that life's too short. We shared the same house, comics, drinks, sleeping spot while he was on tour with the benjamins, differences, movies, music, and we ripped on eachothers tatoos. I'm crazy sad about this. Rest in peace old buddy...

Mary Watkins

November 16, 2006

Though we did not always see eye to eye during your tragically brief life, we did enjoy a smoke every now and then at MPM. My prayers are with you and your family this holiday. And wherever you are, stay away from those damn waterproof matches.

Katherine Burke

November 16, 2006

Vince could always brighten a room with his exceptional personality. I will miss him greatly. I hope he is jamming with Johnny Cash up in heaven.

To Vince's family, my deepest sympathy for your loss. Vince was a wonderful, warm, caring individual who has touched many lives in the best of ways.

Tasha Jones

November 16, 2006

We were all devastated to learn of the battle he had to take on in such a short time I just keep remembering all the fun we shared at Bruck Law and outside the office I guess we keep it like the family away from home. I will never forget him. He loved Johnie Cash, Guinness, and Krispy Kreme doughnuts. I am going to miss him so much. Condolences to his mom and brother, Ms. Rutzinski we loved your son so much, I loved him like a brother cause we were always arguing but @ the end of a day we kept on smiling and toasted the Krispy Kremes the next morning. I gave him a special nickname
Vinnie "Cassanova" Rutzinski aka Mr. Rogers, he loved that red sweater no matter what anyone said. I am going to miss him so much...

Linda Kieffer

November 16, 2006

My prayers and thoughts are with you at this very hard time.

Voiela Chapman

November 16, 2006

Our prayers are with you and your family at this time. Such creativity stilled too soon.

Amy Ridenour

November 16, 2006

Vince,

This hit hard! Its been years since we've been in contact but you meant so much to me. You helped me when I needed someone. You're in my heart still.

To his family, I wish you all the best of life and hope the pain will end soon. My father died of brain cancer within 6 months of becoming aware. My prayers are with you.

Brenda (Piagentini) Tetzlaff

November 16, 2006

So sorry to hear about Vince's passing..what a great fight he faught! He has touched many lives...now in peace and with his dad, Mike and Grandfather Roman...

Love, your cousin

becky galkowski

November 16, 2006

although i havent seen vince in several years i think about him often. we met at the public museum by the ant farm. we talked about bugs and became friends right off the bat. we used to bowl and watch movies and listen to music. vince was a great man and a caring friend. im sorry to have lost him. my condolences to all his loved ones.

Adrienne Miller

November 16, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Liz Haight

November 16, 2006

I am devastated over the loss of this wonderful and caring person. There are so many memories I have of Vince... I met him many years ago while touring around with The Benjamins- and we've stayed friends ever since.

To Michelle and the rest of Vince's family; words cannot express the loss of this great, great individual. My thoughts are with you.

Vince- I love you~

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results