Paul Howard Rukenbrod

Paul Howard Rukenbrod, affectionately known as ‘Duke’ and ‘Ruk’, departed this life peacefully on December 21, 2024, in Alexandria, Virginia, after a courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson's disease. 

Paul was born on July 15, 1946 in Youngstown, Ohio, to Carl and Lucille Rukenbrod, delighting his big sister, Linda. Their church home was Good Hope Lutheran where Carl built the altar in his workshop, taught Sunday School, and Lucille directed Choir.

Paul was a 1964 graduate of Boardman High School and later attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. He earned a BA in Economics in 1968 and was an active member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity where he made many lifelong friendships.

Upon graduation, he taught 8th grade math for a year in Springfield, Ohio and then entered the corporate world at the Central Marketing Region office of Shell Oil Company in Chicago. 

It was there in 1969 that he met his wife Margaret Dziak. They were married in 1976. 

Paul soon returned to school and earned his MBA at Loyola University of Chicago and passed the CPA exam while working as cab driver and as a security guard at the I. Magnin clothing store.

These new skills took him to Comshare Incorporated, finding his niche in sales. After earning Salesman of the Year, he was promoted to District Manager and took an assignment in Washington, D.C., relocating his young family to Alexandria, Virginia. Through the 1980's he honed his skills at American Management Systems and Candle Corporation. Paul ended his corporate sales career at Arthur Anderson in the late 1990's, where he developed and managed their Business Development Services Department and National Call Center.

As his two children grew, he was heavily involved in their lives through volunteering. He coached Paul E's baseball teams for 13 seasons in the Fort Hunt Little League, in addition to coaching girls softball. In the summer, he moved from Stroke and Turn to the Team Representative for the Stratford Recreation Association Swim Team in the NVSL and initiated a winter swim program for skill retention. He spent countless hours prepping for swim meets: charging the Colorado, exchanging meet sheets, and making everyone laugh during his nine years as the best dressed Team Rep. All while never being able to successfully swim a lap himself. 

Post corporate retirement, he put his CPA license to use by working for non-profits including St Louis Catholic Church and Mount Vernon United Methodist Church. His passion for accounting also kept him busy preparing tax returns for senior citizens. During this time, he gained certifications as an IRS Enrolled agent and tax ProAdvisor.

In 2011, Paul and Peggy adopted their beloved American Foxhound, Connie. Paul and Connie enjoyed 5-7 walks a day, and meeting new neighbors on whichever route Connie chose.

The early symptoms of Paul’s illness caused him to reduce his workload and eventually officially retire in 2017.

Paul’s legacy further flourished in the form of his children: Meryl (Ryan) Marshall and Paul E (Lindsay) Rukenbrod, both embodying the values and love he imparted throughout their lives. He found delight in his role as a grandfather to five beautiful grandchildren—Lucy, Henry, Wesley, Davis, and Luke. He is affectionately remembered by his Aunt Ingrid Davis, his Brother-in-Law, Joel Harteker, Peggy’s eight siblings and spouses, plus numerous nieces and nephews.

He approached life's challenges with a unique blend of humor and determination, inspiring those around him to pursue their own dreams with fervor. Wherever he worked he spread good will by making friends with everyone, from the person who emptied the waste baskets to the one who signed the checks. He punctuated events by composing humorous poems. Another of his amazing gifts was upgrading his teenage talent as a folk guitarist to emulate musician Christopher Parkening, taking lessons in classic guitar, and mastering compositions by Bach. 

A devoted husband, he cherished his beloved spouse of 48 years, Peggy Rukenbrod, whose partnership brought joy and companionship into his life. Their enduring love was a testament to the profound connection they shared, one that enriched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to witness it.

Details for the Celebration of Life will be shared at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Insight Memory Care would be appreciated. You can send your donation by mail to Insight Memory Care Center 3953 Pender Drive, Suite 100, Fairfax VA 22030 or make an online donation at www.insightmcc.org/donate. (a 501c3 charitable organization)