Mike" Joseph "Mike" Rucki, 67, of Oregon, Ohio passed away on December 1, 2008, at St. Charles Hospital CCU with his wife and family at his side. Mike beat cancer 8 years ago but fought a long and courageous battle against the side effects of the treatment. Mike never complained and he became an inspiration to many. Mike was born to the union of Stanley and Betty (Raymon) Rucki on August 9, 1941. Mike married his soul mate on November 7, 1988. He and Barbara (Ferguson) celebrated their 20 year anniversary four weeks ago. Mike was Barb's best friend and supporter. They loved to travel and they visited all the continental states as well as Canada and Mexico. Their second home was the 4 Queens in Las Vegas, which they visited twice a year. Mike was a paratrooper in the US Army, and was also able to visit many other countries. He was employed with Toledo World Industries as a Long Shoreman for 40 plus years until his retirement due to disability. He loved fishing, all sports, traveling and helping others, especially helping with his son-in-law's roofing company. Grandpa Mike made birthday cakes for his 15 grandchildren every year since his retirement. Grandpa Mike was always busy being their personal bus driver, babysitter, and just being there for anything they needed. He loved all his grandchildren dearly and that love was equally returned to him. Mike is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; daughter, Lori (Nick) Russell; stepdaughters, Amy (Kevin) Rodgers, Myla Counterman, Kelly (Nicolai Sr.) Salgau; stepson, Michael Steveson; grandchildren, Stephanie, DJ, Matthew (Brianna) and Anthony Hummer, Kevin Rodgers, Kyle and Nicholas Steveson, Sondra and Daeveon Pettaway, Olivia and Gregory Fletcher, Katie and Julie Welsh, Nicolai "JJ" and Seanna Salgau; mother-in-law, Lucille Ferguson; sister, Kathy (Dave) Zeller; brother, David (Karen) Rife; sisters-in-law, Judy Rucki, Kathy (Dave) Burns, Betty Fountain, Bernadette (John) Johannsen; brothers-in-law, Frank and Donnie Ferguson; his special feline friends, Minni and Max; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jerry and Bill Rucki. Family and friends may visit at the Eggleston Meinert Pavley Funeral Home, Oregon Chapel, 440 S. Coy Road on Thursday from 2-9 p.m. with a Trisagon service at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted in the funeral home Friday, December 5, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in North Oregon Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude's Children's Hospital The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Mahajan and staff of the Oregon Clinic, Dr. Bishara, Dr. Adappa, Dr. Kahn, Dr. McNamara, Dr. Bensen's group, the nurses and staff of 2nd floor and CCU at St. Charles Hospital, especially nurses Sherri and George for the wonderful care of our beloved Mike. www.egglestonmeinert.com Visitation: Oregon Chapel 2-9 PM Thursday Trisagon service 7:30 PM Services: Friday, December 5, 2008, at 11:00 a.m