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1941
Gretel
2015
Gretel Geist Rutledge
December 20, 1941 — January 11, 2015
Gretel Geist Rutledge, 73, of East Lansing, passed away January 11, 2015 at Munson Hospice House.
Gretel was born on December 20, 1941, in Urbana, IL to the late Robert John and Margaret Antoinette (Story) Geist.
On December 28, 1973, Gretel married Frank C. Rutledge in East Lansing.
Gretel earned her Masters of Fine Arts from Michigan State University. She then went on to become a respected professor in the Theatre Department at MSU for 30+ years. She was a true artist, and when she wasn't working, enjoyed fiber arts, print making and silk painting. Gretel was a founding member of the Grove Gallery Artist CO-OP in East Lansing. She was the recipient of several awards for her costume design, her mentorship and her artwork. Gretel supported the MSU Men's Basketball Team and was a proud season ticket holder. She also enjoyed travelling all around the world with her family.
Gretel was preceded in death by her husband in 2008.
Gretel is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Autumn Williams-Wussow) of Beacon, NY, her son, Weldon (Pippi) Rutledge of Maple City, sister, Kathe (Steven Sternbach) Geist of Brookline, MA, and step-daughter Andrea (Richard Kief) Rutledge of Washington DC.
Memorial contributions in memory of Gretel may be directed to the First Church of Christ Scientist of Greater Lansing, the Michigan State University Theatre Department or the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy.
The family will celebrate Gretel's life in March at her home in East Lansing.
Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and condolences.
The family is being served by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
Gretel was born on December 20, 1941, in Urbana, IL to the late Robert John and Margaret Antoinette (Story) Geist.
On December 28, 1973, Gretel married Frank C. Rutledge in East Lansing.
Gretel earned her Masters of Fine Arts from Michigan State University. She then went on to become a respected professor in the Theatre Department at MSU for 30+ years. She was a true artist, and when she wasn't working, enjoyed fiber arts, print making and silk painting. Gretel was a founding member of the Grove Gallery Artist CO-OP in East Lansing. She was the recipient of several awards for her costume design, her mentorship and her artwork. Gretel supported the MSU Men's Basketball Team and was a proud season ticket holder. She also enjoyed travelling all around the world with her family.
Gretel was preceded in death by her husband in 2008.
Gretel is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Autumn Williams-Wussow) of Beacon, NY, her son, Weldon (Pippi) Rutledge of Maple City, sister, Kathe (Steven Sternbach) Geist of Brookline, MA, and step-daughter Andrea (Richard Kief) Rutledge of Washington DC.
Memorial contributions in memory of Gretel may be directed to the First Church of Christ Scientist of Greater Lansing, the Michigan State University Theatre Department or the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy.
The family will celebrate Gretel's life in March at her home in East Lansing.
Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and condolences.
The family is being served by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
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