Richard Ruckman's Obituary
Richard Ruckman, age 74 of Branson, MO died Friday March 2, 2012 at his home in Branson, MO
Richard was born May 13, 1937 to Melvin J. ""Dick"" and Hazel (Lee) Ruckman on a farm in Union County near Afton, IA. The family moved to Shannon City, IA in 1938. At a young age Richard delivered newspapers around town on a motor scooter. This began his interest in motorcycles and later he enjoyed riding a Harley Davidson with friends. Richard grew up in his father's International Harvester Dealership working on farm equipment, cars, selling gas, and learning to run a business. In school he took part in plays and played basketball. He graduated from Shannon City High School in 1955.
On November 18, 1956, Richard married Sue Terwilliger of Mount Ayr, IA. To this union three children were born, Larry Dean, Chris Alan and Karen Elaine. In 1964 the family moved from Shannon City to Centerville. IA, where Richard worked for International Harvester. In 1967 he went to work for Ford Motor Company and a Certified Mechanic, then later he worked for the Chevrolet Dealership. Richard opened his own business called Ruckman Automotive Service Center in 1983 and he soon came to be known as ""the best mechanic that can fix everything"".
While in Centerville Richard was a charter member of the Coal Minor Chordsmaen and the Four Chordmen Quartet singing tenor. He especially enjoyed signing at local churches and nursing homes. He was a member of the First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, sang in the choir, ran the sound system, and served on many boards. He helped design a new addition to the church. The couple moved to Branson, MO in 1998 where Richard went to work for the Branson Scenic Railroad for two years. He then enjoyed working at Thousand Hills Golf Course as a mechanic and shop foreman through 2008. He was a charter member of the Friendly Baptist Church where he was a faithful worker. He helped in designing plans for construction of a new church building, was instrumental in setting up the sound system, served as deacon, played guitar in the worship band, sang solos, sang in the choir and mens quartet. Richard really loved his family and being with them. He was always glad to do whatever he could to help them out. He and his wife, Sue, liked showing family and friends around the Branson area. Some of the other things he enjoyed most were reading, golfing, dancing, watching boxing, college basketball, and NASCAR races. He especially enjoyed traveling around the 50 states and taking several cruises. Playing his guitar for local care centers always was a blessing to him. He was very proud to drive and show his 1959 Edsel and 1964 Chevy Impala he restored. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sue of Branson, two sons, Larry Ruckman and wife Peggy of Centerville, IA, Chris Ruckman of Centerville, IA and one daughter, Karen Ruckman of Springfield, MO. Four grandchildren, Paul Ruckman and wife Jennifer of Keota, IA, Angela Brown and husband James of Kansas City, MO, Becky Salstrand of La Plata, MO and Ryannan Ruckman of Villisca, IA. Six Great-grandchildren, Hayley and Dylan Ruckman, Taylor and Ellie Salstrand, Danny and Brooklyn Brown. Two sisters, Donna Berdine of Creston, IA and Bonnie Nedeau of Vine Grove, KY, many relatives and friends. Preceding him death were his parents, Dick and Hazel
Funeral services will be held at the Friendly Baptist Church in Branson, MO at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Cardis Bryan officiating. Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Monday, March 5, 2012 at the Greenlawn Funeral Home Branson.
A graveside service will be held at 11AM Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at Hanes Cemetery, north of Centerville with Pastor Lloyd Johnston officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11AM Wednesday at the Lange Funeral Home, Centerville. Memorial contributions may be made to Friendly Baptist Church, Branson, MO. Condolences may be left at www.langefh.com
Graveside Service
March 07, 2012 11:00 AM
Hanes Cemetery Centerville, IA
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