Leroy “Sawdust” Rutschilling, born April 5, 1933, in Osgood to the late Lawrence and Rose (Henke) Rutschilling, passed away on March 20, 2026 surrounded by his family. He married Doris Hoelscher on August 30, 1955, and together they shared 70 years of marriage.

He is survived by his wife Doris; six children & their spouses: Jim & Phyllis (Buening) Rutschilling, Sue & Ralph Nietfeld, Joe & Ginny (Homan) Rutschilling, Rose & Jim Lefeld, Sharon & Eric Muhlenkamp, and Kathy & Jeff Schwieterman, all of St. Henry; 20 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren, with two on the way; siblings Wilbert “Bill” Rutschilling, Bernadette Kemper, Roseann Schoen, Connie Fullenkamp, and; in-laws Thelma Becker, Jean Koenig, William & Lou Hoelscher, Daniel & Dianne Hoelscher, Betty Jackson, and Michael Hoelscher; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Norma & Roman Huelskamp, Esther & Norbert Puthoff, Elmer & Doris Mae Rutschilling, Gilbert Rutschilling, Norma Rutschilling, Jerome Kemper, Robert Schoen, Aloys Fullenkamp; and in-laws and their spouses: Bill Becker, Ned Koenig, Bob & Corla Hoelscher, Jerry & Jan Hoelscher, Paulette Hoelscher, Dan Jackson, and Suzanne Hoelscher.

A graduate of Minster High School, Leroy proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, serving as a truck mechanic. He was a member of St. Henry Catholic Church.

He owned and operated Rutschilling Sawmill, working as a forester throughout Mercer County and surrounding areas. He also served his community on the Fire Department for 25 years (16 as Chief), charter member of the emergency squad, and member of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, VFW, and Coldwater Eagles.

Leroy was known for his ornery humor, storytelling, and willingness to help others. An avid outdoorsman, Leroy enjoyed hunting deer, turkey, and wild mushrooms; fishing trips, bowling, golfing, and spending time in his 100-acre woods.

He will be deeply missed by his family and community.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, at St. Henry Catholic Church. Friends may call at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, St. Henry, on Monday, March 23 from 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm and on Tuesday, March 24 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. Burial with full military honors will take place at the St. Henry Church Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the St. Henry Fire Department, the Southern Mercer County EMS, or EverHeart Hospice. Condolences for the family may be expressed at hogenkampfh.com