David Rolan Rutledge

David Rolan Rutledge, 74, passed away peacefully at his Guthrie Center home Tuesday, November 28, 2023, where he spent his final days in the company of loved ones. David was born July 14, 1949, to Rolan and Mary (Klecker) Rutledge in Dubuque, Iowa. David grew up in Dubuque, and graduated from Wahlert High School in 1967. He attended Loras College, then Iowa State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in design.
While at Iowa State University, David met Trudy Jane Garrett. They married on May 29, 1971. David and Trudy briefly lived in Kansas City, Missouri, before relocating to Trudy's hometown of Guthrie Center, Iowa. They moved to Guthrie Center during the April Blizzard of 1973, and began their family shortly thereafter. To their marriage, three sons were born-John, Robert and Thomas.
David spent the majority of his career in construction, first working for his father-in-law John Garrett, and later working independently. He enjoyed challenging projects and embraced the opportunity to be creative. In retirement, he owned and operated a gun shop in Guthrie Center, where he enjoyed conversations with friends and customers as much as he enjoyed buying and selling guns. David was an active member in the community, serving on the Guthrie Center Volunteer Fire Department and the city council. He was an elder and deacon at the First Christian Church.
David had a lifelong passion for hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. A highlight of every spring was his fishing trip to Trout River Lodge, in northwest Ontario. He looked forward all year to sharing this annual adventure with family and friends. In autumn, David could be found in the Iowa timber bowhunting for whitetail deer. He cherished the solace of the wilderness, as well as the camaraderie he enjoyed sharing outdoor pursuits with family and friends.
David was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by Trudy, his wife of 52 years, who lovingly cared for him during the final chapter of his life. Also surviving David are sons John (Tricia) of Panora; Robert (Danelle) of Longmont, Colorado; and Thomas (Amy) of Guthrie Center; grandchildren Kael and Emma (John); Drew and Eden (Robert); Jalen (Thomas); siblings Connie (Earl) Rohr of Clermont, Florida; John Paul (Lynn) Rutledge of Webster Groves, Missouri; and Gary (Lori) Rutledge of Castle Rock, Washington; plus several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall, Guthrie Center, on Sunday, December 3, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be at the First Christian Church, Guthrie Center, at 10 a.m. on Monday, December 4, 2023, with burial following the service at Union Cemetery, Guthrie Center.
Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.