Kenneth James Rucker, 70, formerly of Chesterton, died at Hospice of the Valley in Sun City, Arizona surrounded by loving family on Saturday, September 24, 2011.

Ken was born in Gary, Indiana on November 22, 1940 to Kenneth Paul and Margaret Bridget (McWilliams) Rucker.

He graduated from Chesterton High School in 1958 and Indiana University in 1962, and received masters degrees from the University of Illinois and Arizona State University.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, brother Donald who died in 1938, and brother-in-law Robert Hensel who died on February 25, 1990.

Ken is survived by his four children - Michael (Karen) of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; Kal (Katy) of Arvada, Colorado; Gretchen (Dr. Chris Bettner) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Elizabeth (Dr. Steve Yung) of San Diego, California. He is also survived by eight grandchildren (soon to be nine) and three siblings, Patricia (Robert) Hensel of Paris, Kentucky; Richard (Cynthia) of Sun City West, Arizona; and Jerilynn (Thom) Dixon of Indianapolis, Indiana.

After a brief career in teaching, Ken was in the insurance business in Valparaiso and South Bend, Indiana before moving to Prescott, Arizona.

His many interests included history, family genealogy and baseball.

Ken chose to have his body donated to ScienceCare Anatomical. The family is planning a future memorial service in Colorado. Donations to the American Cancer Society in Ken’s name are appreciated.

Posted 9/27/2011