Michael R. “Mike” “Ru” Ruark, 85, of Hamilton, Illinois, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington, Iowa.
Mike was born on June 2, 1940, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of the late F.M. “Dick” and Bernice (Mills) Ruark. He graduated from Keokuk Senior High School in 1958 and joined the United States Marine Corps upon graduation. In 1962, after an honorable discharge, he attended and graduated from both Keokuk Community College and later Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. While attending KCC, he met his future wife, Sherry Jenkins. They married in the summer of 1967 and spent fifty-eight happy years together. He spent many years employed at Hubingers (Roquette) until his retirement in 2005.
Mike is survived by his wife Sherry of Hamilton; and two sons: Ian Ruark of Murphysboro, Illinois, and Mark Ruark of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Joy Hasper; and his two brothers Tony and Jack Ruark.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 pm on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Printy Funeral Home, 917 Blondeau Street, Keokuk, Iowa. A celebration of his life will be held at the Sneezy Beaver on Friday, June 13, from 4 to 6 pm directly following the visitation.
Memorials may be directed to the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.
Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.
