Donald Gilbert Rutlin

Donald Rutlin, 96, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Monday, November 10, 2025, at Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell. Per Don's request, there will be no funeral.

Donald Gilbert Rutlin was born June 5, 1929, to Ingoff and Gladys (Strelow) Rutlin in Wisconsin. Don graduated from Tomah High School and later went onto school to learn computer programming. He worked 30 years for IBM before retiring.

Don was an avid hunter who enjoyed telling stories about his many hunting adventures. For many years, he ran a business in his basement where he set up and fixed many people's bows and crossbows, through which he made many new friends. He and his brother Ken at one time also started up a cranberry marsh near Tomah, which is still in the Rutlin family (much bigger now) owned by his nephew Kurt Rutlin. Don lived in Brodhead, WI for many years until moving out to Mitchell to call his new home.

Don is survived by his son, Rick Rutlin of Brookfield, WI; daughter, Shari Rutlin of Sun Prairie, WI; brother, Ken (Rena) Rutlin of Wyeville, WI; many nieces and nephews, and close family friends, Louie (Laurie) Cooper & family and Ward (Melanie) Tuttle & family. A very special thank you to the Cooper and the Tuttle family for their many years of friendship and support you gave to Dad... he dearly loved you all!

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Charlotte, and parents, Gladys and Ingolf.