William "Bill" Ruchensky

William “Bill” Ruchensky, 85, passed away peacefully at his home in suburban Chicago on March 4, after a months-long battle with cancer. A memorial visitation will be held on June 29 from 10:00-11:30 am at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel, 6200 Morningside Ave.

Bill was born June 28, 1938 in Sioux City to Stanley and Catherine (Bilunos) Ruchensky. He married Myrne Lange of Paullina, Iowa on April 11, 1964 in Sioux City. They lived in Le Mars, Iowa, for several years before returning to Sioux City as they raised their two daughters.  

Bill graduated from East High School in 1956. He later entered the Army, serving in Greenland. He attended Iowa State University and Morningside College for undergraduate studies, then received his Master of Business Administration from the University of South Dakota. He worked in advertising and merchandising, was an Associate Vice President for Home Federal Savings & Loan. He joined Western Iowa Tech Community College in 1980 to lead a new Agricultural Banking program, later becoming head of business education, and working there until he retired. He was also a vice president of the board of Gordon Chemical Dependency Center.

Bill was a member of Morningside Lutheran Church, Morningside Sertoma Club, and Morningside Country Club. In addition to golfing, he enjoyed bowling, fishing, and baseball. He moved to Palatine, IL in 2013 to be closer to his daughters and their families, and spent much of his time watching his grandchildren play sports.

He is survived by his brother Bob of Farmington, NM, daughters Debbie (Larry) Lewandowski of Roselle, IL, and Dawn Vaslowof Arlington Heights, IL, and grandchildren Derek Lewandowski, and Sam and Adeline Vaslow. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Myrne.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.