Virgil Ruckdashel
LEWISTON, Idaho — Virgil Ruckdashel, 83, of Lewiston, and formerly of Polson, died Monday, Nov. 27, 2006, at Deaconess Medical Center in Spokane.
Virgil was preceded in death by two sons, James and Daniel; and a brother, Richard.
Virgil is survived by his wife Betty of Lewiston; a son, Glenn; grandchildren Allie, Levi and Kodee; and two sisters, Irene Eggena and Donna Fulmuth.
Funeral services were held on Monday, Dec. 4, at the Grogan Funeral Home in Polson. Interment with military honors were held at Lakeview Cemetery, Polson. He was laid to rest alongside his two sons, James and Daniel.
Virgil was born in Rockford, Iowa, in May 1923. After graduating from high school, he joined the U.S. Army Air Forces. After serving in WWII and receiving an honorable discharge from the AAF on Nov. 21, 1945, he attended the University of Montana and obtained a degree in journalism.
He married the love of his life, Betty Lou Huntley, in 1959, and was given three wonderful sons: James, Daniel and Glenn. Virgil and Betty raised their family in Polson, where they lived for more than 40 years. There was nothing Virgil loved more than his family and he was devoted to them.
Virgil retired from the Flathead Irrigation Project in 1988. He was active in the Lions Club in Polson for many years. You could always count on him to volunteer a helping hand. Virgil had a passion for writing poetry and always kept a paper and pen nearby.
In 2004 Virgil and Betty moved to Lewiston, Idaho, where he was fortunate enough to spend his last years as a member of the Christian Cowboy Balladeers, performing in and planning cowboy poetry recitals. Virgil proudly received the Poet of the Year award for the year 2005.
Those who knew him will never forget the twinkle he would get in his eyes and the grin on his face when he was telling one of his many stories. We all will miss him dearly and think of him often.
Local arrangements were by Grogan Funeral Home, Polson.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com