Phyllis Marie Rutkowski

Phyllis Marie (Wroblewski) Rutkowski, 83, of Temperance, Michigan, beloved by so many, passed away December 9, 2024. Phyllis was born on November 13, 1941, to Felix and Alice (Matuszek) Wroblewski. She was a graduate of Woodward High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in guidance counseling from the University of Toledo. She married the love of her life, Joseph, on January 26, 1963, and nearly celebrated 62 years of marriage.

Phyllis enjoyed a long career as a teacher for Toledo Public Schools, beginning at Stickney, moving to Riverside, and retiring from Longfellow. During her tenure, she taught multiple generations of students. Phyllis also was instrumental in developing the student assistance team (SAT) which provided strategies and resources for addressing the student’s learning needs. Additionally, she taught religious education classes at St. John the Baptist and Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Phyllis was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and the Red Hat Society. She was known for transporting homebound retirees to their activities. During her own retirement, she enjoyed creating stained glass pieces, traveling, birding, reading, and most importantly spending time with her grandchildren. Phyllis was a talented seamstress and known for her cake decorating skills.

She volunteered for her church, delivered Mobile Meals, and cared for countless family members and friends in their times of need.

Left to cherish her memories are her devoted husband, Joseph; sisters Linda (John) Hayden, and Ann vonKrueter; children Pam (Tom) Schuster, Brian Rutkowski, and Lisa (Eric) Frisinger; grandchildren Kristyn (Will) Greisiger, Thomas (Senie Sananikone) Schuster, Andrew Frisinger, Ashley (Matt Lane) Rutkowski, Karalyn Rutkowski, & Eryka Frisinger; great grandchildren Olivia, Grayson, Liam, and Hudson; treasured nieces and nephews and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Gary Wroblewski.

Heartfelt thanks to the caring staff at Hampton Manor of Bedford and the hospice nurses, especially those who provided loving compassion during her final hours.

Visitation will be Friday, December 27, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Walker Funeral Home 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue Toledo, OH 43623. A Celebration of Life and memorial service will be held Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Toledo Memorial Park in the Chapel of Peace at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.