John E. Rucolas , Age 81


August 21, 1939 --April 07, 2021

On Wednesday, April 7, 2021, John E. Rucolas, loving husband and father of four, passed away at the age of 81.

John was born on 8/21/1939 in Jeannette, PA, a beautiful little town in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains.

John moved to the Chicago area in 1959. There, he met the love of his life, Catherine (Katie/Kay) Berkenkotter. Together, they settled in a home in Des Plaines where they raised their four children. The home was always filled with singing, laughter, and of course, practical jokes. John worked at Motorola for close to 30 years, ending his career there as a senior buyer, purchasing capital equipment and negotiating contracts for Motorola overseas.

At age 52, John took early retirement and he and Katie moved to a house in Wisconsin; first to a home on Lake Wisconsin, and 21 years later to Baraboo Country Club golf course.

If you asked John what his nationality was, he would proudly say "Italian" and quietly add ... and half Irish. He was very proud of his Italian heritage and made a killer spaghetti sauce. He loved to dance, and was really good at it! He would often grab Katie for a spontaneous jitterbug, because dancing in the kitchen was just what he did. John was a fiercely loyal and diehard Cub fan even up here in Brewers territory. He cherished his beautiful Wisconsin, and the warmth and friendliness of the people in Baraboo area. Finally, he deeply loved his country, his children, his grandchildren, and his forever soulmate, Katie.

John was preceded in death by his father John Edward Sr, his mother Florence, and sister Joan. He is survived by his wife Katie, his children Julie (Tedd), Carrie, Vincent (Lynette) and Bunky (Scott), and grandchildren Kellie, Megan (Nicolas), Max and Katie.

Mass will be held St Joseph's Catholic Church, Baraboo WI. 300 Second Street, Baraboo, WI 53913. On April 15, visitation 10:00-11:00 a.m. Mass at 11:00 a.m. A livestream will be available on St. Joseph's Catholic website.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to:

American Legion Post 26

113 2nd St. PO Box 37

Baraboo, WI 53913

or

Society of St Vincent DePaul

100 South Blvd.

Baraboo, WI. 53913

A very special thank you to all the doctors, nurses, and hospice caregivers for their endless compassion and nurturing.



Condolences

Missy McCorison April 13, 2021

Friend to Kay Monona , Wisconsin

Kay and family - I am deeply saddened to hear of your dear John's passing. I remember you affectionately referring to him as "Juan" and recall hearing so many wonderful things about him during the years you and I worked together at Famous Footwear. I'm sad I never had the opportunity to meet him. Please know I'm keeping you and the family in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs ~ Missy

Jim Zabel April 17, 2021

Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin

Kay I’m deeply sadden to hear of John’s passing. I will remember fondly all the times spent with the both of you on the golf course. I’ll keep JOHN in my prayers. Be comforted that he is in a better place.