Grateful Heidelberg University Alumnus’ Memory Lives On Through Scholarship He Established

Joe Rutledge ’73 expressed his love for Heidelberg with a generous estate gift to benefit students.

As a long-time math teacher and coach, Joseph L. Rutledge wanted to give back to future students who major in math, the sciences, technology or education at Heidelberg University. As a tribute to his alma mater, which he treasured, Joe created a bequest in his estate plan for a scholarship for those students.

Born in Canton, Ohio, Joe grew up in Carrollton, graduating in 1969 from Carrollton High School. He enrolled at then-Heidelberg College, now University, and graduated as a member of the Class of 1973. He taught and coached football at Crestwood Local Schools and Alliance City Schools, and also coached in Sebring, Ohio, retiring in 2003. Joe enjoyed collecting movie and music tapes, loved football and good food, and was grateful for his good neighbors.

Now, Heidelberg University expresses its gratefulness for Joe’s estate gift. Joe passed away in December 2019 at the age of 68. The scholarship he provided will be honored and recognized during what would have been Joe’s 50th Heidelberg reunion in June, 2023, and included in the Class of ’73’s reunion giving total.

Joe Rutledge always remembered what his Heidelberg education gave him, and how it prepared him for his much-loved career as a math teacher and coach. A meaningful way to pay it forward for Heidelberg’s students, now and in the future, is including us in your estate plan. Contact Doug Kellar at 419-448-2888 or dkellar@heidelberg.edu to learn more.