Laverne Edward Ruckman, age 83, of Flora, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon, October 16, 2023, at Flora Gardens Care Center.

      Born in Songer Township, Clay County, Illinois, on February 1, 1940, he was the son of Ivan Leslie and Sarah Irma (Anderson) Ruckman.  On December 20, 1963, Laverne married Brenda Sue Dawkins, joining hands together for a lifetime dance that would lovingly span 59 years.

      Laverne was a graduate of North Clay High School and later proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves between 1963 and 1969.  Throughout his life, he faithfully tended to his family farm, and also worked at Sparton Manufacturing for three decades, precisely crafting tools and dies.  Laverne was a very talented builder with great knowledge and skills in carpentry and woodworking, and had the ability to repair and repurpose all types of equipment.  Laverne and Brenda enjoyed travel, exploring 49 states together, and they shared 20 years of promenade walks in the Flora Square Jammers square dance club.  He was a lifelong member of Bethel Christian Church.    

      He is survived by his wife: Brenda Ruckman of Flora; 2 daughters: Karen (Mark) Rewerts of St. Louis, Missouri, and Deb (Paul) Duquaine of Flora; and 6 grandchildren: Jacob and Tyler Rewerts, and Vivian, Max, Sam, and Nolan Duquaine.

      He was preceded in death by his parents; father-and-mother-in-law: Bill and Vivian Dawkins; and 3 brothers: Dale, Charles, and Don Ruckman.

      A funeral ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 23, 2023, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Interment will follow in Oskaloosa Cemetery.  A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to the Flora Gardens Activity Fund, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com