William R. Kukuchka

A gathering to celebrate the life of William R. “Rudy” Kukuchka, 86, of Willoughby, will be from 6-8 PM on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at Davis-Babcock Funeral Home, 4154 Clark Avenue, Willoughby.

Rudy passed away Friday, April 10, 2015 at Lake West Medical Center in Willoughby.

Born December 20, 1928 in Fayette County, PA, he has lived in Willoughby for the past 58 years.

He was a World War II United States Navy veteran and an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting, fishing, deer watching, hiking and metal detecting. He was also the founder of the Willoughby Teen Club which sponsored dances at the former McKinley Elementary School and coached girls softball for many years.

Mr. Kukuchka was employed as a calibrator at the former Bailey Controls in Wickliffe, retiring after 35 years of service.

Survivors are his daughter, Debra (John) Ryman of Eastlake; sister, Agnes Smith of Nitro, WV; grandchildren, Dan Ryman, Kelly Ryman, Heidi Whittemore and Michelle (Brian) Sutter and three great grandchildren. He also leaves many nieces and nephews and their families, his dear friends, Lenny and Terry Lange and his four-legged girls, Peanut and Molly.

He was preceded in death by his son, Robert J. Kukuchka on December 4, 2012. His parents, George and Mary Kukuchka, sister, Jennie Davis and brother, Louis Kukuchka are also deceased.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to the Lake County Humane Society, 7564 Tyler Boulevard, Unit E, Mentor, OH 44060.