Obituaries
Obituary: Bernardine L. “Penny” Rutkowski
Her love was steadfast and unassuming, expressed in her willingness to give of herself and to be present for others.
Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
Bernardine L. “Penny” Rutkowski
(Nee Cernugel)
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Bernardine L. Rutkowski passed away peacefully at the age of 96, on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at her home. She was born on June 9, 1929, in Joliet, to the late Martin and Mary (nee Kambic) Cernugel. Penny was a life-long resident of Joliet and parishioner of St. Joseph Church, where she married Chet, her husband of 67 years.
Penny’s greatest passion in life was being with her children and grandchildren. Her grandchildren were truly the center of her world, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She loved to bake and cook, filling her home with the warmth of family traditions. One of her most treasured roles was carrying on the Wigilia meal on Christmas Eve, a Polish tradition she lovingly carried on for over 50 years. Penny and her late husband, Chet, always enjoyed their daily ritual of sharing martini-time together while watching Jeopardy.
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Bernardine is survived by her children, Steve Rutkowski, Cyndi (Jim) Karges, and Becky Novakoski; grandchildren, Jeff (Lindsay) Karges, Maggie (Pat) Watson, Amelia (Justin) McMillen, Mae Novakoski, and Thomas Novakoski; great-grandchildren, Davis and Genevieve Watson, Sloane Karges, Benedict and Matheson McMillen; sister, Dolores Luzbetak, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Chet, and several siblings.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to her caregivers who always provided her with loving care and dignity. Among these are Esther Woo, Susan Dela Cruz, and in particular Ellie Zandueta, who cared for Penny for over four years. They have become extended members of our family.
Funeral services for Bernardine L. Rutkowski will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 416 N. Chicago St., Joliet, where a mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
