Stephen Rucki

Joe and I go back to 1960 when Sherwood Park was a new subdivision in Temperance Mich. Very rural area. Our families both lived on Douglas Road. Douglas was unpaved, mud! Joe and I were not close early on, though we lived close by. We had a swimming pool at Sherwood Park. This is where Joe excelled athletically. Joe made himself into an excellent diver. No doubt he would have led the way with his talent in high school. Back in the 60's -70's swimming/diving was not that popular in rural Ida. My best buddy had no fear in football. I still see him tackling high school players head on, no pads, no helmet, no nothing. I so admired him. By high school, Joe and I became close friends. My move to Dearborn in 1971 didn't end our friendship. We went to a pool in Dearborn, where Joe did his magic on the diving board, kids were wondering who is this dude? I reminded Joe of all this stuff in the past year or so. He was humble about it. Life happens, we went out ways after 1971, but we never forgot our friendship. We stayed in touch. The crowning moment was when he called me right when my mother was being buried at the graveyard 20 years ago. Joe didn't call much but when he did, it mattered. His timing was always spot on and exactly what I needed in that moment. I needed to hear from my friend, and he was spot on. Thank you Joe Rucki for our friendship, I will never forget you. Ever. Love always.

Carrie,
I´m sorry to hear of Joe´s passing, he was a great guy and a great dad to his girls. I´m sorry I didn´t make it yesterday, we were out of town for a wedding. I always liked talking to Joe about cars, trucks, outdoors stuff and the Tigers . I remember Joe as a hard worker, always ! He always loved eating those hot dogs my mom use to get at the meat market in Sylvania. My mom, dad sure loved Joe RIP Joe Love, cousin, Steve Holey

Carrie I am so sorry for your loss, Joe was a great guy and a great window cleaner , that's where our friendship started at Lowe's Window Cleaning Co. Him and I became friends there , I'll miss him . RIP Joe , your in the good hands of God , Amen

Carrie and all - I´m so sorry to hear about Joe. Please know that you are in my thoughts. Take care of each other. Karen Kapela

Carrie, Amy, Katie, Jodi and Cindy, I am so sorry to hear about Joe. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Carrie...I remember when you and Joe first started dating. Such a kind man!

Uncle Joe will always be missed.
I'm glad I got to see him 1 more time before he was welcomed to heaven by his loved ones. I'm sure uncle Kim, aunt Dana, Bobby rutledge (my dad) and miya (Dan & Vicky's dog) are excited to see him and will hold him close just as we did.

So sorry to hear of Joe's passing. So many fond memories growing up in Sherwood Park. RIP Joe