Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent
Photo by Grace Kirchner Area firefighters gathered Wednesday evening at the fire station in Clintonville to honor Tim Ruckdashel, who passed away Sunday from complications due to cancer.
As the flag on a fire truck’s raised ladder waved in the wind, hundreds of firefighters, emergency personnel, family and friends gathered Wednesday evening to pay final respects to Tim Ruckdashel, of Embarrass.
Ruckdashel, 49, passed away Sunday due to complications of cancer. He was president of the Clintonville Firemen’s Association and had been a volunteer firefighter for 12 years.
The ceremonies at the fire station on 10th Street in Clintonville included “Amazing Grace” played on the bagpipes. Firefighters from many area departments participated, and at least a dozen department representatives arrived on a fire truck.
The Rev. Vilas Mazemke thanked the firefighters for being ready to serve 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as “Puker” did.
Following the service, everyone was invited to the Community Center for a light meal.
The Eberhardt & Stevenson Funeral Home and Crematory assisted with the arrangements.