~ Colonel John Robert Ruckriegel (USMC Retired) was a special man to many people. He was born on May 16, 1953 in Wheeling, West Virginia to Hilbert John and Louise Pearl (Holder) Ruckriegel. He was proud of the school he attended, his career as both a Marine Officer and airline pilot, and his family. As a graduate of the University of Florida, he was a lifelong Gator. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1975, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. Through the course of 23 years, he served honorably as a Radar Intercept Officer flying in the venerable F-4, and subsequently in F-18’s. In 1983, he was awarded the Air Medal for “heroic achievement in aerial flight.” John’s quest for learning never ceased and in 1987, he earned a Master of Business Administration from National University. Prior to transitioning to the F-18, John participated in the last bomb run conducted by a Marine Corps F-4. Upon retiring in 1998, he continued flying as a pilot with American Airlines. More important than anything else to John was his family. He married Margaret Laurence in March 1980, and became a father to Shawn and Brian. John was a loving husband, a great dad, and a joyous “Jefe” to grandsons Ty and Cole. He would have been very happy to know that he was going to be blessed with another grandchild. On September 7, 2010 John went home to be with the Lord. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Ruckriegel of Celina, Texas; sons, Shawn Marthiljohni and his wife, Jennifer of Celina, Brian Marthiljohni and his wife, Stefanie of Quantico, Virginia; grandsons, Ty and Cole Marthiljohni; parents, Rocky and Louise Ruckriegel of Clayton, North Carolina; sisters, Linda Ruckriegel of Columbia, South Carolina, Cindy Blackwell and her husband, Terry of Clayton, North Carolina; nephews, Ian Ruckriegel and his wife Holly, and Matthew Blackwell. He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Pearl Holder. John was a child of God and will live on with his Heavenly Father. All those who were impacted by his life will remember him. He will live in the hearts of those who loved him forever. The family will receive friends during a Visitation to be held on Thursday, September 9, 2010 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Celina from 6-8 PM. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 10, 2010 at Bethel Baptist Church in Celina with Pastor Cliff Lester and Pastor Rich Mohr officiating. Interment will follow at Cottage Hill Cemetery in Celina. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in John’s memory to the Wounded Warriors For The USA at www.woundedwarriorhospitalfund.org