Michael E. Rucinski

Michael E. Rucinski, 94, of Iron River, MI, passed away on September 9, 2026, at Aspirus Iron River Hospital.

He was born on March 9, 1932, in Stambaugh, MI, the son of the late Michael H. and Helen (Lemming) Rucinski. Mike’s earliest years were spent growing up in Gibbs City, MI, where he started school. He finished his education after moving to Iron River, graduating with the Class of 1950. After graduation, Mike accepted the offer to join the evangelism organization “God’s Invasion Army” where he spent many long and rewarding days on the road from Alaska through British Columbia, from West Coast to the East Coast sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Mike married the love of his life, Arlene Saxon, on June 18, 1953, at the First Baptist Church of Iron River. The couple lived in St. Paul, MN while he attended Bethel College Seminary. They celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary this year.

Mike established his long-term career with Buckbee-Mears Company in St. Paul where he became a research analyst and later became a representative. He traveled in the U.S. and as far as Hong Kong, Tokyo, Japan, securing contracts with many high-level industries such as Sony and the Apollo missions. Mike always longed to return to the U.P. with his family and accepted the call to pastor Faith Baptist Church in Crystal Falls, MI and direct Lake Ellen Bible Camp in October 1977. He and Arlene deeply loved the people of the community and cherished the many years spent with them. Serving them and serving the Lord was their joy.

In retirement, Mike filled the pulpit of many churches from Escanaba, MI to Phillips, WI. His life has been a blessing to all who knew and loved him. Michael was a member of the First Baptist Church of Iron River. He enjoyed serving the Lord, hunting, fishing, wilderness camping, and visiting with people.

Michael will be deeply missed by his devoted wife, Arlene; sons, Michael (Dede) of Lino Lakes, MN, John (Wendy) of St. Paul, MN, Theodore (Vanessa) of Watersmeet, MI, and Joel (Amanda) of Green Bay, WI; daughter, Barbara (Steve) Trask of Iron Mountain, MI; nine grandchildren, Eric, Jeremy, Nathan, Matthew, Jackie, Karissa, Lyle, Joel, and Cassandra; seven great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Virginia Rucinski and Patricia Saxon along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Robert Rucinski; daughter-in-law, Bev Rucinski; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Virginia “Dolly” and Robert Byzcek; and brother-in-law, Harold Saxon.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Iron River. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Al Smith to officiate.

Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery.