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Stephen Rucki Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 29, 2025.

Stephen Joseph Rucki, 70, of Temperance, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on April 27, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Joe fought valiantly for years, showing incredible strength and determination.

He was born on January 25, 1955, to William and Mary (Steck) Rucki in Toledo, Ohio. Known lovingly as "Joe," he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose love and commitment to his family were unwavering.

Joe retired from Glen's Building Services and dedicated many years to Lowe's Window Cleaning. He was an enthusiastic supporter of any team his grandchildren played on as well as the Detroit Tigers. His greatest joys came from spending time with family and cheering on his loved ones. Joe had a passion for painting, repairing and restoring vehicles. He proudly owned more than 45 different vehicles in his lifetime.

He leaves behind his cherished wife of 47 years, Carrie Rucki; his beloved daughters, Amy (Doug) Zdybek, Katie Rucki, and Jodi Rucki; and his treasured grandchildren: Cody (Avery) Billings, Henry (McKenna) Zdybek, Charles Zdybek, Ramzee Abuhashish, Gavin, Remy, and Emma Rucki, Zella Rucki, and Zakee Abuhashish. He also has two precious great-granddaughters, Paisley and Margo Billings and dear mother-law Cindy Holey. Joe's memory is also lovingly preserved by his sister, Vicky (Dan) Imlach, and sister-in-law, Melinda (Kim) Rucki.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Rucki, his brother, Kim Rucki, and his sister, Dana Miller.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, May 4th. Join us from 1pm to 4pm with a memorial service at 1:30pm at the Samaria Masonic Lodge, located at 1660 Samaria Rd, Temperance, MI 48182.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Recent Activity

May 5, 2025

Mark Bradford posted to the memorial.

May 5, 2025

Steven Holey posted to the memorial.

May 1, 2025

Rick Waxler posted to the memorial.

7 Entries

Mark Bradford

May 5, 2025

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.

Steven Holey

May 5, 2025

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

Rick Waxler

May 1, 2025

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

Karen Kapela

April 30, 2025

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

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Kris Kapela-McGuckin

April 30, 2025

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!

Katlynn Rutledge

April 30, 2025

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.

Stell Graves

April 29, 2025

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

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