Alfred Joseph Rucker age 89, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on April 1st, 2021. He was born October 6, 1931 to Gertrude (Specht) and Haswell Rucker. As a child, among other things, Al enjoyed fishing and pheasant hunting with his dad. He was a dedicated paper boy for years. When he was 14 he won 1st place in the statewide contest; winning Laddie, the son of Lassie. During his teen years, Al worked at the Cresco movie theatre where he ran the projector. It was here where he first set his eyes on the "most beautiful girl" he had ever seen; usherette Marlys Sutton. After high school, Al enrolled in the Woodward School of Photography in Memphis, TN. Upon graduation in June 1950, Al opened his own studio in Cresco. He married Marlys on May 1, 1954. They moved to Chicago right after the wedding. AL enjoyed a 28-year career at International Harvester. He began as a still photographer in Hindsdale and later moved to the Hickory Farms Photographic Center in 1960 where he became general manager. Later, he began a new career as Executive Producer of the Film and Video Group at Argonne National Laboratory. Here he managed the video department making films for government agencies. The films included training to avoid spy warfare, how to clear up nuclear spills and the disarming of nuclear missiles to name a few. His work took him around the world. He hosted dignitaries at his home from China, Russia, Latvia and more. A highlight of his career was his visit to the Oval Office. In his spare time, he built several homes in Sheridan. He was the President of the Sheridan Community Club, President of the School Board, and Chairman of the Sheridan Centennial Celebration in 1972. Al served on the Sheridan Village Board and as Mayor for several years. He was responsible for increasing Sheridan's tax revenue when he annexed the Sheridan prison. He was instrumental in bringing the first doctor to Sheridan in the early 60's. He is a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Somonauk and often attended mass at St. Joseph's in Wedron. He is a member of the Chapter II International Harvester Collectors Club. He loved working in his wood shop, creating beautiful pieces of art for his family. Al resided in Sheridan for over 60 years. He and Marlys had three daughters, Krystal (Brad) Eike of Plainfield, IL., Kim (Marc) Turner, and Karlyn (Jay) Hendrix of Jupiter, FL. He has six grandchildren, Marc (Leann) Turner II of Seattle, WA., Kara (Joe) Korenic of Milwaukee, WI., Chad Eike of Ottawa, IL., Samantha (Brett) Killian of Crown Point, IN., Joshua Hendrix of West Palm Beach, FL., and Kayla (Frank) Nicolois of Loxahatchee, FL. He has seven great grandchildren, Katie, Hailey and Zachary Turner, Blake and Tyler Johnson, and Kiley and Antonia Killian. He is also survived by one sister-in-law, Darlene Smith of Marshalltown, IA. and many nieces and nephews. Al was preceded in death by his wife Marlys, daughter Kim, son-in-law Marc, sisters Zelma (Willard) Peterson and Shirley (Robert) Wicks. All services will be private. Arrangements are entrusted to GABEL-DUNN FUNERAL HOME, 333 W. Church Street. Sheridan, IL 60551. For information: 815/695-5131 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com