Douglas “Doug” Charles Rutledge, 69, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Marys Campus-Rochester.

Doug was born on Jan. 5, 1950, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Gene and Mary (Erickson) Rutledge. He grew up and attended school in Austin, graduating from Pacelli High School in 1969. Doug then went on to attend the Austin Area Vocational School for welding and machine. On July 24, 1973, he married Debra Silbernick in Mitchell, South Dakota. Together the couple had three sons, Trenton, Jeremy and Michael. Doug made his career as a welder and could always talk you through vehicles that had a problem. In Doug’s younger years, he was a hockey player and enjoyed bowling. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting and watching his grandkids and grandpups. Doug was well loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Debra Rutledge of Austin; sons, Trenton (Susan) Rutledge of Austin, Jeremy Rutledge of Austin and Michael (Brandy Thompson) Rutledge of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota; sister-in-law, LaVonne (David) Baldner of Lyle, Minnesota; brothers-in-law, Keith Silbernick of Austin and Gary Silbernick of Hollandale, Minnesota; and nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Mary Rutledge; and two granddaughters, Angela and Amber Rutledge.

A private funeral service will be held at a later date. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.