Steven Rucker age 72, died Saturday, October 31, 2020 at the Jones Regional Medical Center following a sudden illness.

Funeral services will be held 4:00 Thursday afternoon, November 5, 2020 at St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Monticello.  Interment will be in the St. John's Cemetery with Military Honors.  Friends may call at the church after 3:00.  Memorials may be made to the Steven Rucker Scholarship Fund.  Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com . Goettsch Funeral Home has taken Steven and his family into their care.  Masks must be worn and fitted properly over the nose and mouth at all times to enter the church.  Social distancing needs to be practiced as well.

If you unable to join us in person you will able to view by clicking the link below:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/95496417252?pwd=WlNySUpUVmw5WDVCQmljcWhBRk9kZz09

Meeting ID: 954 9641 7252

Passcode: 666989

Surviving is his wife Dianna, 2 children, Nate (Tara) Rucker, Rachel (Matt) Cochran, 3 step-children, Drew (Heloisa) Ball, Emily (Johnny) Russ, Ryan (Lisa) Ball, 7 grandchildren, Boedi and Anders Rucker, Daniel and Lucas Cochran, Roslynne and Memphis, Russ, Teagan Ball, and a sister-in-law, Jean Rucker.   He was preceded in death by his parents Fran and Bill Rucker and a brother, Wm Michael.

Steven Earl Rucker was born August 23, 1948 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was the son of William and Frances Rasmuson Rucker.  Steve graduated from the Marion High School in 1966.  He continued his education at the University of Iowa receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science.  Steve served in the United State Army during the Vietnam ERA, retiring after 20 years at the rank of Lt. Colonel. As a child, he was the primary inspiration to start the family's business, Marion Bait.   He was employed at Equifax and AEGON in Cedar Rapids.  Steve ended his working career in technology at Pearson, as a project manager for Basic Skills Testing.

Steve married Dianna Boots on July 28, 2007 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Monticello.  Steve retired from Pearson in 2013 but remained active in the community. Steve had always wanted to be a teacher, and in retirement worked as a substitute teacher for the Anamosa, Monticello and Springville Schools.   He coached baseball and basketball at several different levels at Anamosa and Monticello and Linn Mar.  When he wasn't coaching, he refereed for multiple sports.  Steve was Dianna's assistant when she was doing a photo shoot or wedding.  They worked together at the front gate at the Jones County Fair for many years and were the Grand Marshalls at a Monticello Homecoming Parade.  Steve was active in his church, serving as an Elder at St. John's Lutheran Church.    His best retirement job was taking his grandchildren fishing.