Alan Rutledge

Alan Ray Rutledge, 58, of Fisher passed away peacefully Sunday June 6, 2021 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana with his loving family at his side. A masonic service will be held at 3:30 pm Sunday June 13, 2021 at Rosenbaum Funeral Home in Gibson City. Visitation will follow 4:00-7:00 pm.  Funeral services will be 11:00 am Monday June 14, 2021 at the funeral home, Pastor Gary Fairchild officiating. Burial will be in Willowbrook Cemetery in Fisher, Illinois. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Sangamon Valley Fire Protection District or to Gift of Hope.

Alan was born June 10, 1962, a son of Dwight A. and Charlotte M. Bialeschki Rutledge.

Al is survived by his son Conner (Allison Jacobs) Rutledge of Fisher; a sister Sandy (Skip) Wilson of Dewey, four brothers Roger Jenkins of Paxton, Vernon (Bonnie Jo) Rutledge of Fisher, Paul Rutledge of Thomasboro and Jeff (Sally) Ogle of Kankakee, an uncle, many aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins and a host of friends also survive. Al was preceded in death by his parents, a nephew Dustin Wilson and niece Brenlee Jo Rutledge.

Al was a 1980 graduate of Fisher High School. He then attended Parkland College and then the University of Illinois Fire Institute. He was proud to be a fireman for the Sangamon Valley Fire Protection District as well as a University of Illinois fireman until the department was discontinued. He then worked as a carpenter for the University of Illinois until his retirement. He used his carpentry skills to build his own house, the ultimate man cave known as “The Barn” and his “Q shack” which allowed Al to use his amazing cooking ability to make the best smoked pork, beef brisket or corn casserole, which often made its way to many gatherings.

Al used his carpentry talents to create beautiful and ornate decorations and furniture for family and friends. If he wasn't helping others, you could probably find him on a lake fishing, as he was a skilled angler and enjoyed trips to Canada and other locations. He was also known to help Santa from time to time and visit the children in the family.

To think about Al is to think about fun.  From the moment he walked in with his signature, "What's goin' on," spiked hair and shades, you knew the fun would begin and a good time would be had by all. Al never lived life on the sidelines and didn't want others to miss out either. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him.

The Rutledge family would like to thank the Sangamon Valley Fire Protection District for their actions to aid their loved one.

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