Dean L Ruckman

Dean L. Ruckman of Freeport, Illinois, went to be with the Lord on December 29, 2011, in Freeport. Dean was born on April 10, 1924, in Union County, Iowa, the son of Lester and Lena (Wake) Ruckman. He married LaVaughn Ballenger on February 11, 1944, at Creston United Methodist Church in Creston, Iowa. She preceded him in death on September 25, 2006. Dean graduated from Afton High School in Afton, Iowa, in May 1941. He attended Creston Junior College but enlisted in World War II in September 1942. Dean served in the European Theatre in General Patton'™s 3rd Army, 4th Armored Division, crossing the Rhine River in Germany on his 21st birthday in 1945. He received the Bronze Star for his military accomplishments. After returning from the war, Dean attended college at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. In 1946, he attended Montgomery Ward'™s Management Training. After various training assignments throughout Iowa and Nebraska, he was named store manager, regional merchandiser, district manager, finally settling in Freeport, Illinois, as store manager in 1960. Dean managed the local retail store from 1960 to 1972, retiring with 32 years of service. In January 1973, Dean became co-owner of LeBaron & Ruckman Furniture and Carpet Store. He retired from active work in 1989. Dean enjoyed retirement, spending every winter from 1980 to 1998 in Tucson, Arizona, with his wife. He was a member of the BPO Elks since 1954, the Golden K Kiwanis since 1994, and the Freeport Chamber of Commerce from 1960 to 1972, holding several offices. Dean was a member of Park Hills Evangelical Free Church in Freeport, Illinois. He is survived by three children--Larry (Joan) Ruckman of Dixon, Mary Jane (John) Burke of Freeport, and Steven (Julia) Ruckman of Freeport; five grandchildren'"David (Monica) Ruckman of Dixon, Douglas (Heather) Ruckman of Des Moines, Iowa, Ashley Burke and Aaron Burke of Freeport, and Gannon Ruckman of Freeport. Also surviving are 4 great grandchildren'"Mackenzie Ruckman, Cole Ruckman, Macy Ruckman, and Rudy Ruckman. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Betty (Ballenger) Wolfe, and a nephew, Lynn (Vickie) Wolfe, of Villisca, Iowa. Dean was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; brother-in law, Bradley Wolfe; and a nephew, Alan Wolfe. Funeral services will be at 11 A.M., Monday, January 2, 2012, at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home with Rev. Tom McClellan officiating. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. until the time of service at Burke Tubbs. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. A memorial has been established in his name. Please sign the guestbook at www.burketubbs.com.