Karen Marie Rutkowski

Karen Marie Rutkowski, age 75, passed away on September 28, 2026. She was a caring nurse, a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a gentle soul with a deep love for nature. Karen was born on July 22, 1951, in Wyandotte, Michigan, to the union of Alexander and Dolores Kozlowski.

Karen spent her career caring for others. She worked as a nurse with Henry Ford Health until she retired. She brought compassion, skill, and a calm, reassuring presence to her work, and she made a difference in the lives of countless patients and their families.

Butterflies held a special place in Karen's heart. Her love for them grew into a true passion for monarch conservation. Every year, she raised monarch butterflies and released them into the wild. She watched each one change from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly with wonder and care. She did her part to help the species thrive, and she shared her joy with everyone around her.

Karen found love with Zachary Rutkowski, and the two were married. They shared 47 years together, built on love, partnership, and devotion. Nothing brought Karen more happiness than being a mother and grandmother. She loved going to every event and activity her children and grandchildren were involved in. Whether it was a game, a recital, a school program, or a special milestone, Karen was there cheering them on with pride. Her steady support showed her family just how much they meant to her.

Karen treasured the time she spent in Florida. She loved the sunshine and the relaxed pace, and she especially valued the friendships she made there. Those friends became a cherished part of her life.

Karen was also an avid photographer with a gift for capturing the perfect moment. Through her lens she captured moments like the everyday joys and the beauty of nature including her beloved butterflies. The photographs she leaves behind are a lasting gift, and her family will look back on them for years to come.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Alexander and Dolores Kozlowski.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband of 47 years, Zachary Rutkowski; her children, Brian (Lindsay) Rutkowski, Sarah (Joshua) Grasso, Chris Varga, and Lisa (James) Curtis; her grandchildren, Brady Rutkowski, Benjamin Rutkowski, Charlotte Grasso, Isabella Grasso, Emma Varga, Lily Varga, Chris Curtis, and Samantha Curtis; and many dear friends.

Karen will be remembered for her compassionate heart, her dedication to her family, her love of monarch butterflies, and the beautiful moments she captured and shared. Like the butterflies she released each year, her spirit is now free, and her love will stay with all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to ALS of Michigan.