Maynard Warren Rucks, age 76, passed away at his home in rural Henderson on Tuesday, May 7.
The funeral was held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Green Isle at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 14.
Visitation was held in the church fellowship hall from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, May 13. It continued one hour prior to the church service on Tuesday, May 14.
Maynard was born to Bernhard (Bernard) and Lorraine (Sickmann) Rucks in Arlington on Aug. 5, 1942. He was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Arlington. Maynard graduated from the Arlington-Green Isle High School in 1960. He was united in marriage to Dorene R. Buck at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Green Isle on Aug. 17, 1962. Maynard worked in sales and service with his parents’ agri-business from 1958 to 1987. While still working for his parents, he began his own business, Rucks Custom Combining, which he continued until his death. From 1988 until his retirement in 2008, he was a rural carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. On June 25, 1999, Dorene passed away due to a brain tumor. On Sept. 7, 2001, he married Eunice A. Beneke. Maynard and Eunice enjoyed many years of shared international travel, service, and endearing friendships with fellow Lions members.
Maynard spent countless hours in service to his community. He served for many years as a school board member for the Arlington-Green Isle School District and in 2017, he was inducted into the Sibley East Wall of Fame. He was a strong leader in his church, having served in congregational elected positions and through volunteer work as a reader, soloist and choir member. He was the current Jessenland Township Clerk. Maynard was a dedicated member of the Green Isle Lions Club since 1980, holding several offices at the local, district, and multiple levels. He was elected to serve as a Director for the International Association of Lions Clubs for 2004-2006. During his directorship and continuing as Past International Director, Maynard served as speaker at many Lions meetings, conferences, and conventions across the nation. In recognition of his service to the association, Maynard received numerous awards, including the most prestigious Ambassador of Good Will Award.
Maynard treasured spending time with loved ones. He enjoyed taking his family on annual fishing trips while his two children were growing up. He played drums and sang in King 70 Country, the band that he and Dorene started. He spent several years working on race cars with his son and his son-in-law. He golfed with his brothers. He hunted with his brother and son-in-law. Maynard and Eunice loved traveling and connecting with hundreds, if not thousands of people through the Lions Clubs. He showed his support of his grandchildren and step-grandchildren as they participated in theatrical, musical, and athletic activities. He was looking forward to meeting his first great-grandchild, who is expected to arrive in late September.
Maynard is survived by his wife of almost 18 years, Eunice; mother, Lorraine Rucks of Arlington; daughter Robyn (Landis) Woods of Kasota; step-son, Tony (Amber) Beneke of Hamburg; step-daughter-in-law Katie (Kurt) Meiers of Appleton, Wis.; grandchildren Alecia (Wil) Hooper of Eagan, Logan Woods (and special friend Ali) of Mankato; step-grandchildren Josie, Marlie, Karissa, and Lillie Beneke of Hamburg,  and Viola Beneke of Appleton, Wis.; sister, Karen (David) Nieland of Wausau, Wis.; brother, Sheldon (Sally) Rucks of Hamburg; sister-in-law, Pamela (Ed) Forrester of Cumberland, Wis.; five aunts; eight nephews; one niece; many cousins and friends.
Maynard is preceded in death by his father, Bernard Rucks; brother, Cameron Rucks; first wife, Dorene Rucks; son, Jeffery Rucks; and step-son, Paul Beneke.
Maynard’s love of family/friends and his service to others will be greatly missed-especially by those who had ever heard his laughter or felt his incredible hugs.
Funeral arrangements are provided by Kolden Funeral Home of Arlington.