Kenneth Rucktaeschel

Funeral services for Kenneth Rucktaeschel of Morris, MN will be private services. There will be a visitation on Friday, June 5, 2020 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris. Burial will be in Summit Cemetery in Morris.

There will be a live stream of Ken’s service starting at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2020.  To view the service on the Pedersen Funeral Home website, scroll to the bottom of Ken’s page and click the link.

To protect the health and safety of all, services are currently being limited as required by state and local authorities and the CDC. Expressions of sympathy during this time can be left on the condolences page available with the obituary on our website. We also encourage you to view the video tribute and/or webcast of the service that may be available. Check the funeral home website for the latest COVID-19 update.

Kenneth Harold Rucktaeschel, son of Clarence and Evelyn (Pickett) Rucktaeschel, was born September 29, 1932 in Seaforth, Minnesota. Ken grew up in the Wabasso, Minnesota area helping his dad on the farm. On March 5, 1953, Kenny enlisted in the United States Army National Guard, where he served in the Korean War. Following his discharge on January 22, 1955, he returned home. In 1956, he was united in marriage to Diane Werner. The couple resided in Chokio for a while, before moving to Morris, where they raised their four children. Ken worked at the Morris Coop and later began working for the Minnesota State Highway Department. Ken retired in 1993 and has continued to live in Morris since that time.

Ken was an active member of the Morris Eagles, serving as chaplain. He was also a member of the Morris American Legion, V.F.W. and AmVets. Ken enjoyed hunting, fishing, dancing, playing bingo and just being very humorous. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Ken died on Monday, June 1, 2020 after a short stay at the Courage Cottage. He was 87 years old.

He is survived by his children: his daughters: Marlene (Tom) Rucktaeschel Boggs of Mesa AZ/Inver Grove Heights and Darlys (Jim) Gibbs of Inver Grove Heights; one son: Kevin Rucktaeschel of Fulda; four grandchildren: Travis (Donna) Holmes of Killeen, TX, Tim Holmes of Eagan, Jesse (Kari) Rucktaeschel of Fulda and Chelsey Boggs of Chicago, IL; three great-grandchildren: Nathaniel and Isabella Holmes and Bennett Rucktaeschel and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son: Ronald Rucktaeschel; his parents; two brothers: Duane and Gary Rucktaeschel; two sisters: Geraldine Kruise and Bernadine Stanek and special friend: Elna Hill.

Please consider leaving a personalized photo/message for the family through our Heartstrings Program, which is located on our home page. Pedersen Funeral Home will display your photo/message for the family to have a tangible presence at their services through this difficult time.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangement.