Duane E. Ruckman, 89, Churubusco, passed away at 1:04 am Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Lutheran Hospital. Born Oct. 18, 1930, in Whitley County, he was the son of Maurice and Winona (Miller) Ruckman.

He grew up on the family farm in Union Township, graduating from Coesse High School with the Class of 1948. While serving in the U.S. Air Force, Duane married Gloria A. Routt on Dec. 25, 1951. Duane worked for over 20 years at WT Grants and retired at the age of 77 from Imperial Trophy. He loved his family dearly, was an avid coon hunter and was a member of the Whitley County Coon Hunters Club.

Survivors include his children, Penny (Marvin) Olson of Elkhart, David (Teresa) Ruckman of Churubusco, Bryan (Gwynne) Ruckman of Columbia City and Rachel (Ned) Kahlenbeck of Columbia City; sister, Lola Ford of Fort Wayne; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren and expecting three more; and one great-great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gloria Ruckman; brother, Lynn Ruckman; two grandsons; and one great-granddaughter.

A gathering of family and friends will be 3-7 p.m. Friday, March 6, at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. A memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2020 at the funeral home.