Foster Rutledge

Foster F. Rutledge, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away March 2, 2013, in Atlantic, Iowa. Left to cherish his memory are; Rose Susut Rutledge, his wife of 66 years; son, Perry Rutledge, Las Vegas, NV; and daughter, Candice Rutledge, also of Las Vegas, NV. His eldest son, Ned, (Betty) Rutledge pre-deceased him on February 22, 2013. His five grandchildren, Brandon, Carrie, Ashley, Tyler Rutledge and Kelly Rutledge Ohman, as well as three great-grandchildren, Dominic and Georgia Ignacio and Trinity Rutledge also carry the legacy of his life in their hearts.

Born June 25, 1926, in Mason City, Iowa, to Edward and Florence Rutledge, Foster grew up with five siblings in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He traveled extensively in his youth, mostly to Canada to assist his father in tending to family farms, and while in the Army, he traveled through many states from Florida to Washington. He was proud to be an American, truly loved his country, and cherished his Iowa heritage.

In Canada, the Rutledge and Susut families were great friends and business partners in farming. Foster was proud to say that he and Rose became friends over 81 years ago as children. They wed in 1947 and farmed in Alberta with their young family until 1952 when the family returned to Iowa. Foster joined Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company where he worked until his retirement in 1988, ending his career as Vice President of Sales.

Foster celebrated his Iowa heritage, living most of his 86 years in Iowa, during which time he and Rose raised their three children and several great hunting dogs. He learned to shoot and fish at an early age and spent many hours enjoying hunting and fishing throughout Iowa as well as many other states. His conservation efforts to maintain Iowa farmland resulted in the stocking of many farm ponds as well as a successful effort to rid farmyards of pigeons and starlings that could carry disease. He was often aided in these efforts by a faithful hunting dog. He was instrumental in the development of Burrows Pond, preserving wetlands in northern Iowa that encompassed a farm where his father's family had lived for many years. He mentioned many times how much he cherished the life-long friends he met while at work, enjoying his hobbies or working on his conservation efforts.

Foster's legacy includes his great belief in the power and love of the family. He helped compile the history of Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance, started by the Rutledge family comprised of seven uncles and father, E. B. Rutledge over 100 years ago. At the time of his death, he was the last Rutledge of his generation.

The family wishes to thank both Taylor House and Kavanaugh House Hospices and Atlantic Nursing and Rehab Center. The attention and care given to him was a great solace for him and his family.

Combined services for Foster and his son, Ned, are scheduled at Hockenberry Funeral Home in Atlantic, IA, at 11:00 a.m. on March 16, 2013, followed by interment for Foster in the Atlantic Cemetery. Visitation will take place at the lunch following the services.