Daniel P. Rutledge, PhD

Professor Daniel Patrick Rutledge, PhD October 10, 1945 – October 12, 2024 Professor Daniel Patrick Rutledge, PhD, won his battle with Parkinson’s on the morning of Saturday, October 12, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Patrica (Voorheis) Rutledge, and brother, Timothy Rutledge. He is survived by his sons Craig and Todd as well as grandchildren Erica, Tommy, Kelsey, Kaitlyn and Kimberly, and great-grandchildren, Maddison, Holden and Leila, as well as his twin sister Ann Hevron and other sisters, Jane (Robert) Wyman, Kristina (James) Klimicki and Susan (Anthony) Panella, all of whom he loved very much. Professor Rutledge graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Marketing and Economics. During the 1970s, he worked for various Detroit-based companies, including GM, Federal Mogul and TRW. During the Vietnam era, Professor Rutledge was a member of the Michigan National Guard. In the 1980s, Professor Rutledge realized his dream of obtaining his PhD, graduating summa cum laude from Michigan State University with a PhD in Marketing in 1989. During the second stage of his life, Professor Rutledge taught at the University of Michigan and later, Purdue University. Professor Rutledge enjoyed teaching students who wanted to learn but had little tolerance for those who did not. Those who actually took the time to listen to his tutelage found they were better off for the experience. Although obtaining his PhD was amongst his proudest accomplishments, Professor Rutledge was most proud of, and truly enjoyed spending time with, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He thought the world of his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren and they brought him much joy in his later years. Professor Rutledge was also an avid sports fan, in particular MSU football of which he enjoyed attending MSU football games long into his retirement. He also enjoyed watching the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers. NOTE: Dan loved everyone in his family and never turned away a person in need. For those who knew him and loved him always keep in your heart "I loved you all in my particular way". In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in Professor Rutledge’s name to the charity of your choice. GO GREEN – GO WHITE!

Daniel P. Rutledge, PhD

October 10, 1945 - October 12, 2024