John Charles Ruckman

John Charles Ruckman, 86, passed away Nov. 9, 2015, at Deer Trail Assisted Living. A resident of Albuquerque, N.M., Ruckman passed away following a brief illness.

He was born Jan. 16, 1929, in Bridger, Mont., the son of Carl D. Ruckman and Lois N. Simpson. 

Ruckman graduated from Cody High School in 1947.

Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served for 28 years, in two wars: Korea and Vietnam. After his retirement from the military in 1975, he received his nursing degree in Nashville.

He married the former Jean Tennyson in 1952 and they later divorced. In 1975, he married Rosie Lae in Rangoon, Burma, while serving in the military.

His interests included reading and he was an avid cyclist and was a member of Wandering Wheels Bicycle Club.

They cycled coast to coast, border to border in the United States and also in Italy.

Survivors include two daughters; Cristine Ruckman and beloved companion Don Pett of Billings, Mont., and Cindy Rodriguez of Rock Springs; two grandchildren Cristina Anderson and companion Kevin Brown of Rock Springs and Thomas Davey and wife Amber of Wichita, Kan .; two great -grandsons Jonah Anderson of Rock Springs, and William Davey of Wichita, Kan. 

He was preceded in death by parents, wife Rosie L. Ruckman; former wife Jean Tennyson; two sisters Nancy Blake and Barbara Ruckman and one daughter Jennifer Sue Ruckman, who died in infancy.

Cremation has taken place and graveside services with military honors took place Monday.

Condolences may be left at http://www.vasefuneralhomes.com.