This is one of the saddest stories I've heard since moving to Rockford. I don't understand why anyone would take their own life. Let alone murder their own two children before committing suicide.

WREX reports that the, "Funeral services are planned for 14-year-old Christopher Ruckman and 12-year-old John "Jack" Ruckman, who died Wednesday, Feb. 28. The boys were found dead Saturday morning at a home in the 4600 block of Chandon Woods Drive in unincorporated Cherry Valley. Peter S. Ruckman, more commonly known as P.S. Ruckman, a long-time professor at Rock Valley College and Northern Illinois University was also found dead. All three died of gunshot wounds; P.S. Ruckman's was self-inflicted, according to the Winnebago County Coroner."

Chris and Jack Ruckman were both described as talented, sweet, and funny.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 8, in our Saviors Lutheran Church. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday in Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural St., in Rockford. Memorials to Rockford Christian High School will be used to establish a music scholarship in Chris and Jack's names.

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