TOPEKA, Kan. – Charles L. Ruckman, 75, of Topeka, Kan., and formerly of Illinois, passed away Tuesday, March 6, 2018. He was a statistician with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (NASS) for 32 years and retired in 1997.
A graveside service is 11:15 a.m. Monday, March 12, in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, Wheeler, Ill., with the Rev. Stephen Gillet officiating. Visitation is from 4 until 6 p.m. Friday, March 9, at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 10th and Lane, Topeka, Kansas. Another visitation is from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Monday, March 12, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Wheeler. Stewart and Carroll Funeral Home is assisting the family with the local services.
Mr. Ruckman was born April 15, 1942, at Xenia, Ill., the son of the late Ivan and Irma Anderson Ruckman. He married Linda Goebel Oct. 7, 1967, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wheeler. She preceded him in death Aug. 2, 2003.
He is survived by two sons, Robert (Melinda) Ruckman of Birmingham, Ala., and John (Heather) Ruckman of Lawrence, Kan.; seven grandchildren, Carter, Collin, Brenna, Camden, Sophia, Cortlyn and Spencer; two brothers, Dale Ruckman of Belleville and Laverne Ruckman of Xenia.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Ruckman.
Mr. Ruckman graduated from North Clay Community High School, Louisville, Ill., and received a Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Industries from University of Illinois. He served in the Illinois National Guard. He was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, where he and his wife volunteered as a marriage
mentor couple. He also volunteered as a youth counselor at Hope Lutheran Church, Boy Scouts of America and Meals on Wheels.
He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, gardening and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was an avid sports fan, enjoying St. Louis Cardinals, KU and K-State.
Memorial contributions may be made to Great Lakes Caring Hospice, 3715 SW 29th, Suite 100 Topeka, KS 66614.
Online condolences at www.stewartandcarrollfuneralhome.com
