John Kinney Rutford, longtime St. Anthony Park resident (most recently of Mahtomedi) died Nov. 6 at age 85. He was a U.S. Korean War vet.
John is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Donna; son, Doug (Sue); daughters, Ruth Hogenson-Rutford (John Hogenson) and Mary; daughter-in-law, Lori Rogers; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and brothers, David, Bob (Margie) and Ken (Sharon).
He was preceded in death by parents, Skuli and Ruth; and sister, Mary Covert.
His son Brian died Nov. 8.
John was born in Duluth, Minn., and grew up in St. Anthony Park, where he attended Murray High School. He also attended the University of Minnesota. He was employed by the Boy Scouts of America and the Metropolitan Council. He was actively involved in his church, in several Icelandic Associations, Roseville Kiwanis Club, Minnesota Korean War Veterans Chapter 1, U of M YMCA Group and was a former member of the Civil War Roundtable Association.
He was very involved in St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church, including many years spent compiling a record of the conjugations for its centennial in 2002. He greatly enjoyed family, friends, travel, the North Shore, volunteering and public service.
Memorials are preferred to St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church or to donor’s choice. A memorial service for both John and Brian Rutford was held Nov. 29 at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church.
