Bill, age 92, passed away on Wednesday April 25, 2024 in Lansing, Michigan after a problem with a previously repaired abdominal aortic aneurysm. He was born on April 27, 1931 to Henry and Agnes Rucinski in Stambaugh, Michigan. He was two days shy of his 93rd birthday and the opening day of trout season.
Bill served in the U.S. Air Force at the Amarillo Air Force Base in Texas as an instructor who taught servicemen in the repair of jet engines. He graduated from the Michigan State Police Recruit School in 1956 and was stationed at the Manistique Post, Bay City Post, Paw Paw Post and the Fire Marshall Division in Lansing. He ended his 31 years of service as the State Fire Marshall and the Captain of the Fire Marshall Division. He was active in enforcing fire safety regulations for public buildings and tanker trucks carrying hazardous materials. He was also a member of many arson investigation groups throughout the country.
After Bill’s retirement in 1987 from the Michigan State Police, his happiest place was his property in the Upper Peninsula. He was an avid fly fisherman of brook trout since he was a young boy. He had many fishing holes that were a secret—he wouldn’t share their location with anyone. He loved tying his own flies for fishing. As he got older and was unable to fish, his hobby was tying flies at home to give to friends. He was also an avid hunter who loved bow, firearm, and muzzle loading deer seasons. He also enjoyed hunting wild turkey and grouse.
Bill is survived by his children Kristine (Michael) Willard, William (Terri) Rucinski, Patricia Rucinski, and Catherine Myers; grandchildren Kristina (Nick) Miller, Nicole Rucinski, Katelyn Rucinski, Rachel (Jeffrey) Lott, and Zachary Myers; great grandchildren Mikayla Guernsey, Autumn Guernsey, Baylie Guernsey, Aadin Honeycutt, Callie Ackley, Maeve Lott, and Nolan Lott; brother Thomas (Marian) Rucinski; numerous nieces and nephews; and a long time friend Mark Melchiori and his family.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years Ruth (Curtis), son Thomas, brother Anthony Rucinski, sister Joanne Richardson and his parents.
A special thank you to all of the staff at Sparrow Hospice House at the St. Lawrence campus for their compassionate and dedicated care to their patients as well as the families.
A cremation has occurred and a service will be held at a future date in the Upper Peninsula.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6