Allan F. Rucka

Allan Frank Rucka
Born in Chicago Illinois March 11, 1936
Departed August 26, 2024, and resided in Marco Island, FL, and Beverly Hills, MI.
Visitation: Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 1 PM at Christ Church Cranbrook
Funeral: Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 2 PM at Christ Church Cranbrook
Private Burial: Friday, September 6, 2024 at 2 PM at Woodlawn Cemetery
Allan Frank Rucka - Loving Father, Husband, Partner, Brother, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Friend
Al is survived by his daughter Tracy, partner Margaret Joan Barnes, sister Elaine Papp, niece Bonnie, nephew Robert (Annette), and stepson Jeff Yeiter. Al embraced and loved Joan's family as his own and is survived by her children David Barnes (Heidi), and Diane Williams, grandchildren Margo (David), Glynis (Woody), Emma, Colin, and Rhys, and deeply adored great-granddaughters Joan and Rhiannon.
He was preceded in death by parents Frank and Blanche Rucka, wife Patricia Rucka, wife Jackie Rucka, and brother-in-law Raymond Papp.
A proud alumnus of Northwestern University, Al loved his time as a member of Acacia Fraternity. Al worked for RR Donnelley and Sons in Chicago, Illinois, and Warsaw, Indiana. He spent years of dedicated service and hard work rising to Vice President in his time with the company.
Al was a committed man of God, most recently you would find him worshiping at Christ Church Cranbrook. Al's faith was his foundation. His character was Christ-like, manifesting in the traits his family and friends loved him for: kindness, compassion, wisdom, and boundless love. His nature was epitomized when he overcame immense adversity when he proudly walked his granddaughter Glynis down the aisle.
Also a true philanthropist, Al supported various charities throughout his life. In retirement, Al enjoyed volunteering to build homes twice a week with Habitat for Humanity of Collier County. He served dutifully on the Board of Directors of the Sandpiper Condominium Association.
Throughout his life, when he wasn't giving back to his community, or loving his family, Al could be found playing a round of golf. Retirement afforded him the time to golf even more on his beloved Marco Island. Friendships forged at the Sandpiper Condominium resulted in companionship. You could find them traveling together worldwide, tailgating at the Naples Philharmonic, and dressing up for costume parties.
Al enjoyed travel, particularly with people he loved as they experienced places they cared about. Road trips with his first wife Pat and daughter Tracy took them to places like Niagra Falls and Florida, stopping at a Stone Mountain Hotel with Tracy's favorite pool. He took annual trips to Disney World with Jeff and Jackie, celebrating Jeff's love for Mickey Mouse and all things Disney. They even wore matching shirts.
With Joan's encouragement, Al finally got a passport and became a worldwide traveler and citizen of the world. He particularly loved going to Joan's childhood home of England and Wales where he loved seeing her reunite with family in a place she loves so dearly. Wherever their travels took them in over 20 years of partnership, from the old streets of Europe to the Publix parking lot, Joan and Al walked through life hand-in-hand.
Between trips, their evening routine brought them to Al's balcony. In hand, a VO Manhattan for him and a gin & tonic for her watching the breathtaking sunsets on the Gulf of Mexico, always hoping for a green flash.
The family is grateful for the staff of Cedarbrook and the exceptional care they gave to Al. The family would also like to thank Trinity Hospital in Pontiac for their attention to not only his physical but also spiritual well-being.
Family will receive friends Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 1 PM at Christ Church Cranbrook 470 Church Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304.
The Funeral will take place Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 2 PM at Christ Church Cranbrook. You can watch the funeral online at www.cccathome.org.
Immediate family will attend a private burial on Friday, September 6, 2024, at Woodlawn Cemetery, Forest Park, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Habitat for Humanity for Collier County, 1145 Tamiami Trail E, Naples, FL 34113: www.habitatcollier.org