John J. Ruzicka

John J. "Jack" Ruzicka, age 82 of Grafton, ND passed away on Saturday, June 5, 2010 at his home in Grafton. John J. Ruzicka was born March 8, 1928 in Veseleyville, ND the son of the late Anton and Marie (Rukavicka) Ruzicka. He attended schools near Veseleyville and Pisek, ND. Following his education he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving from January of 1946 to December of 1947. Upon his discharge he returned to Grafton and started working as a mechanic. He was united in marriage to Lillian Nelson on September 22, 1952 in Grafton, ND. Jack worked as a mechanic for Church's Chevrolet for many years and then worked as a diesel mechanic for Grafton's John Deere Dealership for 25 years. He later worked as the custodial supervisor at the Grafton Developmental Center until his retirement. Jack was a member of the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, a lifetime member of the Grafton American Legion Post #41 and the former Grafton Eagle's Club. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Lillian Ruzicka of Grafton, ND; his children: Jerry (Bette) Ruzicka, Index, WA; Sandra Maddox, Grafton, ND; John (Vicki) Ruzicka, Grafton, ND; Mark Ruzicka, Grafton, ND; three grandchildren: Amber, Ryan and Kelly and four great grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and five sisters. Memorial services will be Friday, June 11, 2010 at 10:30 A.M. at the St. John's Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church on Friday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the St. John's Catholic Cemetery. Military rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post #41.