Charles W. Rutschky III, 93, of State College, died Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at Juniper Village in State College.

He was born May 2, 1923 in Pottstown, PA; a son of the late Charles William Rutschky Jr. and Isabelle Knouss Rutschky.

Charles served in the U. S. Army during World War II from March 15, 1944 to May 9, 1946. During his service, he earned a Good Conduct Medal, a Legion of Merit Badge, an American Theater Ribbon, a European African Middle Eastern Theater Medal, and a World War II Victory Ribbon.

On July 26, 1945, he married Lenore Reeder Rutschky who preceded him in death on October 19, 2016.

Dr. Rutschky earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology and Entomology at Penn State University, and earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree from Cornell University.

In 1964 he was awarded a full professorship while at the University of Hawaii. Dr. Rutschky served as a professor of Entomology at Penn State University, retiring as Professor Emeritus.

Highly respected and accomplished, Dr. Rutschky served as President of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science from 1974 - 1975, was a member of the American Registry of Professional Entomologists, a brother of and a board member of the Alpha Zeta Fraternity, and a life member of the Penn State Alumni Association.

Community service was important to Dr. Rutschky. He served as chairman of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, was a Boy Scout leader, and was a longstanding member of University Baptist and Brethren Church, State College.

He was known in Pennsylvania for his wacky collection of insect toys. Other interests included silver and pewter smithing as well as woodworking and an occasional cross-country motorcycle trip with his sons.

Surviving Dr. Rutschky are three sons, Jonathan Rutschky (Dr. Susan Hunt) of Eagle, WI, Paul Rutschky (Vivian) of Oxnard, CA and Matthew Rutschky (Cindy) of State College; three grandsons Jonathan, Paul Jr. (Pamela), and Erik Rutschky, and one granddaughter Alina Rutschky.

In addition to his parents and wife, Dr. Rutschky was preceded in death by a daughter Charleen Rutschky

Friends will be received from 11am to 1pm Thursday, March 16, 2017, at the University Baptist and Brethren Church, 411 S. Burrows St., State College, PA The funeral will follow immediately at 1 pm in the church with the Reverend Bonnie Kline Smeltzer officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Centre County Memorial Park, State College, PA

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to NAMI, 3803 N. Fairfax Dr. Suite 100 Arlington, VA 22203

An on-line guest book can be signed and condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com