Joseph "Joe" Lee Ruthkowski

Joseph "Joe" Lee Ruthkowski, 40, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully in his sleep, on Friday, August 21, 2026, at his home.

Joseph was the oldest of three children. He graduated from Suttons Bay High School in 2005. Joseph worked at UPS for over a decade. On April 4, 2014 he married the love of his life Nicole.

Joseph loved to hunt and bring his visions and dreams around his home to life while enjoying a Coors light or an old fashioned. In his free time, he enjoyed tinkering in his garage, watching Michigan football, and hanging out with his wife and dogs.

Joseph was always a man of few words, but once you got to know him his smile and humor were contagious.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife of twelve years, Nicole and their three dogs Winston, Rip, and Harvey; parents Joseph and Debra Ruthkowski, brother Jeffrey Ruthkowski (Breana), sister Kelli McClure (Patrick), grandmother Marilyn Balcom, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, niece, and nephews.

We find comfort in knowing that he was greeted by his beloved dogs Buck and Trigger and grandpa Ike. Joseph is sitting with all three right now listening to old war stories from grandpa.

A Funeral Service honoring Joseph will take place at 3:00 p.m., with visitation starting at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, Michigan 49684.

Please wear whatever feels comfortable on Saturday, but knowing Joesph, he would want casual, comfortable attire. Anything Michigan, camo, or t-shirts and jeans is what he would have loved.

In lieu of flowers, we are asking those who would like to show their love and support to consider making a monetary contribution to Nicole and their three dogs.

GO-FUND-ME LINK: Fundraiser by Breana Ruthkowski : Support for Nicole after the unexpected loss of Joey