Obit: Rucks, Ralph – S-Sgt. (1931 – 1968)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Rucks, Hanson, Firnstahl, Voge, Woodward, Lueth, Johnson

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 02 Jan 1969

Rucks, Ralph – S-Sgt. (28 JAN 1931 – 24 DEC 1968)

A former resident of this area, Technical Staff Sgt. Ralph Rucks, 37, of San Bernardino, Calif., died Tuesday, Dec. 24, 1968, at 6 a.m. at the San Diego Naval Hospital at San Diego, Calif., following a lingering illness.

A military funeral was held Saturday, Dec. 28 at 11 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, San Bernardino. Burial was made in the parish cemetery.

Sgt. Rucks was born in the town of Hull (Marathon Co., Wis.), Jan. 28, 1931, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Rucks who now live at Owen. He received his education at Colby schools, and at the age of 16 moved to Marshfield, where he completed his education.

His marriage to the former Lorraine Hanson took place at Arpin Sept. 10, 1949. In 1951 he joined the air force and had served since then.

Sgt. Rucks was recently awarded the air force commendation medal and a plaque of recognition from his base, and another from his squad.

In addition to his parents and wife, he is survived by three children, Susan 16, Jeff 14, and Cynthia 11. Also surviving are a brother, John of Schofield, and five sisters, Mrs. James (Margaret) Firnstahl of Colby, Mrs. Edward (Dorothy) Voge of Owen, Mrs. Harvey (Evelyn) Woodward of Rothschild, Mrs. Albert (Ruby) Lueth of Curtiss and Mrs. Norman (Joanne) Johnson of Stanley.