Obituaries by location
Joe and Stephanie Ruskowitz
Joe and Stephanie Ruskowitz of Topeka will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary as guests of honor at a brunch today hosted by their children at Western Hills Country Club.
Joe Ruskowitz and Stephanie Szulborski were married June 19, 1941, in Braddock, Pa.
Their children are Judy Smith, Salt Lake City, and Joseph Ruskowitz, Kansas City, Kan.
They have six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
The couple moved to Topeka in 1983 after retirement.
They are avid polka dancers, who travel throughout the country to dance.
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(Obituary of Joe Ruskowitz: "Joseph "Pap" (Ruszkiewicz) Ruskowitz of Basehor, KS, formerly of Topeka,KS, died Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008 at his home surrounded by his loving family. The Memorial Mass celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, Sept. 29th at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 15438 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor, KS. His family will be receiving friends from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the church. Burial will be in Holy Angels Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to Kendallwood Hospice, 2908 NW Vivion Rd., Riverside, MO 64150 or to Holy Angels Catholic Church, 15348 Leavenworth Rd, Basehor, KS 66007. Joseph "Pap" Ruskowitz was a hard-working, family man in every sense of the word. He was the ultimate handyman, and in 67 years of marriage, there was nothing in the home that he could not "fix." He started by maintaining rental properties and doing roofing jobs in addition to his primary job. Later, he built the family dream home. He participated in Boy Scouts when his son was active in scouting. After retirement, he spent precious time with his grandchildren,and great-grandchildren, and pursued his woodworking hobby. Pap passed along his love of woodworking and practical jokes to his daughter. Joe and his wife Stephanie, traveled throughout the country polka dancing where they met many wonderful friends. Pap often watched the videos of these trips during his illness. While in Topeka, he and his son created several Lionel Train Displays to raise money for various charities, including Let's Help, the Marian Clinic and Ronald McDonald House. "Pap" was preceded in death by his daughter, Judith Ann (Ruskowitz) Smith in November of 2006; his parents, Theofil, and Roselie; and brothers, and sisters, Stella, Abe, "Peanuts", and "Piffy". Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Stephanie; son, Joseph A. (Barbara) Ruskowitz; 6 grandchildren, Lisa Williams (Kelly), Michael Smith(Cari), Bryan Smith (Kasie), Erika Smith, Kristen Smith, and Adam Ruskowitz (Annie); 6 great-grandchildren, Ryker, Emma, Kyle, Kori, Kaitlyn, John; sister, Josephine Pelc,and son-in-law, Rick Smith. (Arrangements: Porter Funeral Home, Kansas City, KS. 913-621-6400)")
