Edmund Daniel Rucinski

Edmund Daniel Rucinski (Ed), 79, of Becida, MN, died peacefully, Saturday, November 16, 2024 at home with family by his side. 

Mass of Christian burial will be Sunday, November 24, 2024 2 pm with visitation one hour prior to the service at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wilton, MN, with Father John Christianson officiating.  Luncheon to follow the service.  Visitation will be Saturday, November 23, 2024 2-4 pm at Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home in Bemidji, MN.  Interment will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Wilton, MN following the service.

Ed was born February 25, 1945 in Bagley, MN to Frank Sr and Judith (Hager).  He was raised on the family farm in Becida, MN, attending Sunny Hill Grade School and Bemidji High School.  Ed worked on the farm, milking and logging until he was drafted into the US Army September 28, 1965.  He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, completed additional training at Fort Ord, CA; served at Fort Bliss, Texas in Medical Supply and was discharged September 27, 1967. 

After being discharged from the Army, Ed returned to the area and started working at NuPly, later Georgia-Pacific as a laborer and Union President for 31 years.  After its closing, he continued in the trades working for Paul Schummer Construction, Frontier Homes, American Garage Door, and later at RDO in Park Rapids as a State Inspector.  Ed met Joy Christianson in 1975 and they remained devoted to each other until his death. 

In his younger years Ed played fastpitch softball for Gene’s Place as a lefty pitcher. He was an accomplished horseman and kept horses around years after his riding days were over.   He played in dart leagues for many years and enjoyed golfing.  Along with his competitive side, he loved fishing, camping and looked forward to deer season with the hunting party every November.  He also served as a Supervisor on the Fern Township Board from 2013-2017.

Ed was known for his spontaneity, often a “drive around the block” could be an all-day road trip.  He loved a good Western, football and baseball.  He had a good sense of humor, appreciated conversation and usually had a story to tell.  He especially enjoyed the company and visits the last few months at home from friends and family.

He is survived by Joy Christianson, children Tana (Doug) Krogseng and Brian Stebe.  Grandchildren Destiny (Josh), Lucas (Ashley), great granddaughter Tamera Stebe, brother Ray Rucinski.  Preceded in death by his parents, brothers Walter, Ralph, Frank Jr, and Benedict, grandchildren Shawna Stebe and Hanneah Stebe.

The family would like to thank the staff of Sanford Hospice for the love and care they provided Ed in his last few months.  You will be greatly missed by all the lives that you touched. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edmund Daniel Rucinski, please visit our floral store.