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Christopher Ruckman Obituary
Christopher "Chris" Hamilton & John "Jack" Wilson Ruckman, passed away on Wednesday, February 28, 2018. Chris was born on November 15, 2003, and Jack was born on June 3, 2005, both in Rockford, the sons of Heidi (Walter) Ruckman. Both Chris & Jack were students at Rockford Christian. Music was Chris's life. He played the piano and guitar in his high school jazz band. He was a self-taught guitar prodigy. He was blessed enough to share the stage with music greats such as Harlan Jefferson. He was known for his impromptu concerts and last year performed with the Atlanta All Stars in Nashville. Chris was also a member the Junior High Jazz band, pep band, and "The Vitamin Gang" with his brother, Jack. He tried his hand on the drums when he played in the Rockford Drum Corps. Jack was a drummer and played in "The Vitamin Gang", was a member of the Junior High Jazz Band, and Rockford Christian Drum Corps. Jack played baseball, was an avid gamer and enjoyed playing XBOX with friends and cousins. Survived by their mother, Heidi; aunts and uncles, Bruce and Lindy Rucks of San Diego, CA, and Joe and Jennifer Walter of Washington DC; cousins, Laura, Greta, and Holly; grandma, Jean Walter of Rockford, IL; great- grandpa, John Rich of Sycamore, IL; and several great-aunts, great-uncles and cousins. Special thanks for all of their love to the family and Rockford Christian for their support and Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Ltd., who have both gone beyond anything imaginable to help the family during this difficult time.
Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 9, 2018, in Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural St., Rockford, with Reverend Jeff Fricke officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 8, 2018, in Our Saviors Lutheran Church. Private burial in Elmwood Cemetery in Sycamore. Memorials to Rockford Christian High School to be used to establish a music scholarship in Chris & Jack's names. To share a memory or online condolence, visit olsonfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Ruckman
Sponsored by Olson Funeral and Cremation Services, North Main Chapel - Rockford Olson Funeral and Cremation Servi.
Darren Leslie, The Atlanta Allstars
February 27, 2022
May we never these two beautiful souls. We shall continue to uplift the family with our prayers, and with our love.
Mari Fletcher
February 27, 2019
Christopher was a wonderful person. He was so funny and always knew how to bring joy to others.
Whenever someone was down he would be able to walk in a bring their spirits up. Even just is presence just brought people's cheerfulness back.
If someone needed it, he would sit down and listen. Give advice if they wanted it but if they didnt. He wouldnt.. He was such a wise soul..
May 1, 2018
F
DAVID MARTIN
March 11, 2018
It was always a blessing to see the latest videos/photos of Chris and Jack. I didn't know them personally, but wish I could have met them. They were great young kids. I am so sorry for this tragic loss of life. Their mother and relatives are in my prayers.
Diana Melvin
March 11, 2018
Words just aren't enough to convey the heartfelt sorrow that all of us believers ,friends and family feel at this time. We don't understand why, but we know that someday we will see them again. God bless the Family.
Joseph Adams
March 10, 2018
So sad. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family.
March 10, 2018
Bill and Cindy Haas
March 10, 2018
We are at a loss for words at the tragic loss of Christopher and John Jack. Heidi, we've never met you but have wonderful things. Our prayers are with you in this deep grief. Our hearts break with yours.
Becky Trosclair
March 10, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ruckman family.Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.Becky Trosclair
Jeffrey Clark
March 10, 2018
My heart gives pause to pray for these young men.
Mark Brown
March 10, 2018
Condolences with my deepest sympathies.
Thomas Morris
March 10, 2018
Heidi, we don't know each other, but I cannot imagine what you are going through, please know my wife and I are praying for you and your family...
Lori Williams
March 9, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved sons. Prayers sent with (((hugs))) for your entire family and your and your sons' friends.
Dawn Ellis
March 9, 2018
Heidi, I have read so much about your boys I feel as if I knew them, I wish I would have had the wonderful pleasure. My prayers are with you Heidi, as is the entire community, God bless you.
Dee Yates
March 8, 2018
I am so very sorry for the family and staff and students at Rockford. Stay strong and lean on each other.
Angie Bogdonas
March 8, 2018
I will never forget these two boys. They will always hold a special place in my heart. Heidi-you are in everyone's hearts.
Robert Chapman
March 8, 2018
Heidi and Family,
Please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many people who are heartsick over your cruel loss. No words can convey the heaviness that weighs over my heart and mind so I offer simple but sincere condolence.
Jetta Grano
March 8, 2018
Dear Heidi,
My heart aches for you and I lose my breath when I think about the tragic loss of your two beautiful boys. There are no words but please know I am praying for you and sending you lots of love and strength. I am so, so sorry.
Mariela Fletcher (Rockford Christian)
March 8, 2018
Christopher and Jack (John) Ruckman, you two were amazing and I will forever miss and love you too. I hope you are rockin out up there.
Love you. Rock on
John & Annie Meyers
March 8, 2018
Dear Heidi and Family,
We were saddened to hear about your precious boys. God bless them and you.
Darren Leslie
March 8, 2018
We will never question our cycles of life, as we are fully aware that we will all have an appointed time and place. We were blessed to have known Christopher and Jack for only a brief moment in time, but that brief moment will carry us throughout our lives. I will never forget this young man's smile. He was such a wonderful spirited and well mannered kid. Before he even walked on stage with us, I knew this was a person who would one day, change the world. And with that change, it would be better for us all.
He then walks on stage. I will say this. Upon entering this world, the Good Lord blessed us all with talents to sustain and provide for us. But every now and then, GOD specifically designs something special for someone special. HE then packages it, and hand delivers it HIMSELF to the special recipient. I saw it with my own two eyes. Christopher was one of those special recipients. He had an incredible talent that can only be described as a blessing from GOD. For those of you who were not there to witness his performance with us, it was truly incredible, legendary, and unforgettable. The entire band was completely blown away by this presence of greatestness, packaged into a 13 year old kid.
Heidi, we are praying with you. We can only imagine what the future would have held for these boys. Though we only had them for a blink of an eye, their presence and spirit will always remain with us. And with that, that did in fact, change the world.
Ingrid Hargrove
March 8, 2018
Heidi,
I can't imagine the hurt and terrible loss you feel at this time. I had the opportunity to hear Chris perform with Harlan Jefferson on 2/23 at Big Al's. He was a talented young man and Jack sat nearby. Definitely gone too soon. I pray for your strength everyday and that God will give you a peace that passeth all understanding.
With warmest regards,
Colleen Carroll
March 8, 2018
I'm a friend of Margie's. I've frequently seen her post pictures of your boys and know how close you are. I am so deeply heartbroken for your loss. Please accept my condolences and know that there are many people who you have never met praying for your strength and sending you love. May God and your beautiful boys watch over you for all eternity.
Theresa & Brad Carlson
March 8, 2018
Dear Heidi, Words alone cannot express our sadness over your loss. May God's presence be with you, as well as the love of your beautiful and amazing boys, forever.
March 8, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss of your boys. May God be with at this time along with your family and friends!!God Bless!!!
March 7, 2018
Jean, Heidi and family,
Words are not enough at a time like this but I want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I can't imagine the pain you are going through. My heart is breaking and I pray for you.
Malva Craft
Angie Dowling
March 7, 2018
Heidi, I am so very sorry for your loss of Chris and Jack. We are praying for you and your family at this difficult time. This is so heartbreaking and tragic. Sending you love and hugs. ❤❤❤
Zelina Brewer
March 7, 2018
As a mother, I feel your sorrow. I am so sorry for your loss. Know that prayers are lifted up for you and your sons.
March 7, 2018
So sorry for your loss and our condolences to you and your family.
Linda Henderson
March 7, 2018
Jean, There is no way I can comprehend what you must be going through during this difficult time. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers
Debbie Learn
March 7, 2018
I'm so sorry! Prayers and strength to you and your family!
Tracy Puckett Nunez
March 7, 2018
My niece attends RVC and P S her online teacher. Prayers and thoughts go out to you in this tragic time.
Tammy Hackmann
March 7, 2018
Heidi, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tracee Allen
March 7, 2018
Heidi,
my heart is broken. I pray that you find some comfort that the Lord WILL be with you through this tragedy. my deepest condolences...
Karen Sullivan
March 7, 2018
Dear Heidi,
Sending love and light to offer strength and support during this difficult time. You are loved just because you are. May God's grace keep you and all of those whose lives where touched by Chris and Jack as we all work through this tragedy together, to help heal your heart.
Kay Giardini
March 7, 2018
So sad to hear about your great loss! I do not know you personally but as a Christian mother my heart is saddened at such a waste of such promising young lives. Our prayers will be with you as you go thru this very difficult time and the days and months ahead. May God wrap his loving arms around your family.
Kathryn Gustafson
March 6, 2018
A tragic, senseless loss. My heart breaks for you.
Jane Lee Holmes
March 6, 2018
Dear Heidi, we all have confidence in your ability to come through this, with prayer, yours and ours. It's what Jack and Chris need from you, I believe, because of their deep love for you. May our Lord Jesus keep you in His care, for now, for always.
Matthew 5:4
A stranger who cares
March 6, 2018
This IS SO HEARTBREAKING....to the Mother and Family of Christopher and John....I am SO very sorry and saddened for you to read about the passing of your sons/loved ones to the tragedies of this world! Sincerely praying for the promises of Matthew 5:4 to continuously sustain you through this most unimaginable difficult time and comfort you until you are reunited with Christopher and John again. My sincerest heartfelt condolences...
Mary Miller
March 6, 2018
Am sending my sincere condolences to the family.
Mary (Barr) and Randy Wilder
March 6, 2018
I felt like I almost knew these special young men with their wonderful musical talents, great personalities, and how much they were loved, by all you shared on facebook. I can't express how sorry we are for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Quesada family
March 6, 2018
Rest In Peace sweet Boys.
Andrew and Jennifer Kopecky and Family
March 6, 2018
Our very deepest condolences to the entire family of these two wonderful boys. We pray for them and we pray for their mother that she may find the strength to get through this very difficult time and into the future. We ask our Lord Jesus to take especially good care of her and to be with her always and to be always with the boys.
Amber Robbins
March 6, 2018
Heidi and family, we are thinking of you and praying for you in this difficult time! Your boys brought so much joy that will live on forever in so many hearts! Lots of love from the Robbins Family, Dave, Amber, Tatum, and Tinley
Christine Keehn
March 6, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Amy Byrne
March 6, 2018
Dear Heidi,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your sons. No parent should ever have to go through a tragedy such as this. I hope that your many beautiful memories sustain and bring comfort to you, and the love of your family and many friends surrounds you and gives you strength and peace in the days ahead.
Love,
Amy Byrne
Yvonne Johnson
March 6, 2018
My sympathy to you and to all members of your family. The loss you have suffered is unbelievable. My prayers are with you and especially with their great grandfather, John. He will miss his cookie baking and deliveries he did for him
James Munch
March 6, 2018
The Good Lord shall comfort them for eternity.
Patti
March 6, 2018
Lighting this candle for prayers of strength for the family of these wonderful boys. I am heartbroken for you all.. Dear Lord wrap your loving arms around these boys mother Heidi and give her love & strength... Thank you Dear Lord, Amen
March 6, 2018
Heidi, Sorry for your loss of your two fine boys. Our Prayers and Thoughts are with you and your family.
Uncle Bill and Aunt Jo Walter
March 6, 2018
It is with a broken heart that I remember my oustanding piano student of seven years, Christopher Ruckman.
This young man had so much natural musical talent (piano, guitar, percussion) along with originality, a charming personality, good looks, and a unique sense of humor that would have led to an outstanding musical career and great performances for the world to enjoy. He was excited about everything in music!
He was especially talented at playing jazz piano with an unbelievable sense of rhythm, and could play by ear whatever he heard from other artists. He would pick out the most difficult jazz piano scores and work at them until he could play them to his satisfaction (e.g. "The Firm.") Christopher taught me as much about jazz as I was able to teach him about playing the piano.
I did not know Jack as well as he was a drummer, but he did play percussion on one of my recitals. He was also a very likeable and polite boy.
My condolences to their mother and grandmother and to other relatives and friends. I share your pain and will miss seeing Christopher every Thursday at 3:30.
Rest in Peace, dear boys.
Dr. Rosalie Sward, Rockford, Illinois
Lisa Gillespie
March 6, 2018
I'm so very sorry for your tremendous loss. There are no words to describe the pain. I do know that God will hold you up. May his Love bind you through this time. Praying for you and family.
Mindy Nanni
March 6, 2018
I did not know your sons, but I'm so very heartbroken for your loss. I saw Chris perform with Harlan Jefferson at Big Al's just a week ago! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl Ward
March 6, 2018
To the mother...who will live forever with her grieving heart...you will remain in my prayers...may God comfort your heart with MEMORIES OF LOVE.
Jim, Cindy, Abbie, Mandy Nelson
March 6, 2018
Heidi, can't begin to imagine what you are going through. Christopher and Jack loved you beyond words. You are the best mom in to the world to them. Christopher and Jack are the two most amazing young gentlemen we have ever had the privilege to know. Their faith, character and compassion were beyond their years and is a testiment of how you raised them. Please know we all here for you and your family, with much love and deepest sympathies, Jim, Cindy, Abbie and Mandy
Cyndi Hlavin
March 6, 2018
My sincere sympathies and prayers as you journey through your grief and pain. May the God of all comfort and surround you with His Peace. Beautiful gifted lives to bring heart smiles forever...
Peggy Schultz
March 6, 2018
Dear Heidi,
My husband David and I are very fortunate to have met your two sweet and wonderfully talented boys in Nashville. What a fun time they had and everyone enjoyed them so.
We are saddened beyond what words can even begin to express over your loss and society's loss. Our hearts grieve heavily.
You have many friends for support. We are two of those friends so please reach out to us and anyone else to help carry you through this time and forever. We care for you.
Thinking of you and the family and wanting to say more, but words are not enough.
Peggy Schultz
Joanne Keyser
March 6, 2018
Know that Jennifer's Family join in the mourning for these loving and talented young men. Your strength will come from the people
who surround your Family. Joanne and John Keyser.
March 6, 2018
Thoughts and prayers to the family
Kathleen Shaw
March 6, 2018
There are no words to express the pain, anger and hurt you must be going through. I pray that the love of GOD, and those he put in your life, will give you the comfort you need to get through. 1 Cor 13:13
Barbara Forster
March 6, 2018
So very sorry for such a huge loss
Linda Cherry-Petersen
March 6, 2018
Although I did not know your boys I still want to send prayers to your family. May God grant you the strength at this time in your life Heidi.
Windy Ballard
March 6, 2018
My heart breaks for your family and my prayers and thoughts are with you. Praying for the peace of God that passes all understanding. Earth's loss, heaven's gain.
Rhonda
March 6, 2018
My heart breaks for this mother. As a parent I can't even imagine what she is going through. I hope with the love and support of her family and friends, her church and community and most of all God she can find some peace. Never understand this loss but finding the ability to go on. Knowing even strangers having you and your family in their thoughts and prayers. My condolences to you.
Cindy Hainchek
March 6, 2018
My deepest sympathy to you and your family for this tragic loss. Your boys are angels now, walking and talking with the Lord. I will keep you in continuous prayer. May God give you strength and peace.
James Hudson
March 6, 2018
May you find peace and solace in midst of this tragedy. I am deeply sorry. My sincere condolences.
Mary Dagostino
March 6, 2018
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jack and Chris! Gone too soon and we will cry with you. In the arms of Jesus. Jesus wept, too. Rest In Peace, Dear Children!
Monica and Michaela Jenkins
March 6, 2018
Praying for an inkling of peace for family and friends...I KNOW your pain is great.
Michele, Todd, Ben and Samantha Bonzi
March 6, 2018
We will forever cherish the special memories of your boys. We all had the pleasure of working with them! In my Performing Arts class, my son Ben taught hip hop classes and my daughter Sam taught Musical Theater classes, performed with them in chapel and performed in Bye Bye Birdie with Chris. My husband Todd, musically directed Bonzi Production's Bye Bye Birdie with Chris and worked sound for the Alpine Academy programs. It was my honor to be their Performing Arts/Spanish teacher while they were at Alpine and directing Chris in Bye Bye Birdie. They were gifted musicians but very talented actors as well! We will forever miss them! Sending all our love and continued prayers to you, Heidi, Jean, and your family! God's peace be with you!
St. John Family
March 5, 2018
So sorry for your loss.
Patricia Mathews
March 5, 2018
We are so very, very sorry for your loss, we can't even imagine what you all are going through. Know you are surrounded by so many who will be there for you with love and support now and always.
God bless you all,
Patti, Stephen, Mercedes, Mason and Austin Mathews
Damita Collier
March 5, 2018
My heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers to the mother and family. I heard Chris play for the first time on February 23rd with Harlan Jefferson. He was enjoyed by all. Praying God will give you comfort, strength and peace now and days ahead.
Victoria Schwartz
March 5, 2018
I did know these boys, but just wanted to offer my condolences to the family. The hearts of the entire community are breaking. Praying for the entire family in this difficult time.
Carolyn Largent
March 5, 2018
I'm at a loss for words over the passing of Chris and John. My thoughts and prayers are with you Heidi and your family as well as the Rockford Christian Community. Carolyn Largent
Shirley Nelson
March 5, 2018
Praying for strength and comfort as your family go through this difficult time ! So So Sorry for your Loss!
Niecy Marshall- Blunt
March 5, 2018
May God grant you peace during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cindi Frye
March 5, 2018
Hey. I did not know your sweet boys, but I have watched them on u-tube. They are so sweet and talented. It was my joy to watch them. Now they are playing before the Lord. May you be comforted by the supernatural presence of the Lord during the months and years to come. God will send His people to you. Hugs and prayers
Dana
March 5, 2018
So very sorry for your great loss.
Margie Donnell
March 5, 2018
Heidi, may the lights of your life shine down on you in your darkest moments and bring you a moment of peace. Their legacy will live on in our hearts and in our lives. We love you. Chris, Margie, Sabrina and Noah
Beverly Broyles
March 5, 2018
My prayers are with Heidi and other family members. I am so, so very sorry for your loss.
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