Melvin J. Rullman

Melvin John Rullman, 88, of Moline, Illinois, entered life eternal on October 24, 2021, surrounded by his family at home.

A graveside service will occur at the Rock Island National Cemetery on Arsenal Island on Friday, October 29, at 9:30 a.m. Those wishing to attend should meet in the parking lot at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline, at 9:15 a.m. Following the graveside committal, friends and family are invited to the memorial service at 10:30 a.m. and luncheon to follow at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moline. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to either Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities, Valparaiso University, or Trinity Lutheran Church.

Mel was born June 9, 1933, to Harry and Alma (Benning) Rullman in Aurora, Indiana. He graduated from Aurora High School before attending Valparaiso University. His college years were interrupted by two years of service in the U.S. Army in Germany. After completing his military commitment, Mel returned to and graduated from Valparaiso University and married Arline Sprague in 1957, with whom he raised three children. After obtaining a master’s degree in education from Indiana University he began his education career as a teacher and school principal in Lake Zurich, IL. Then he spent seven years as Superintendent of Schools in Grant, MI from 1967 – 1974 and eight years as Superintendent in East Jordan, MI from 1974 – 1981, before retiring early to turn what had been a part-time farming hobby into his full-time occupation.

Mel’s two decades in public education were accomplished: he led the Twin Valley School District through a demerger to assure both cities (East Jordan and Boyne City) could thrive educationally; led and passed a bond millage to build a new high school and end “split session” scheduling; developed a new vocational education program; and was recognized by the American Legion and U.S. Army General William C. Westmoreland for instituting a notable Veterans Day educational program.

In 1990 he married Judy Brooks, and in retirement Mel purchased property on Lake Michigan in the Upper Peninsula. After clearing the land and cutting the trees, he built a log home. Family and friends have enjoyed vacationing there for nearly two decades.

At his core, Mel was an outdoorsman and craftsman. He loved nothing more than time spent in farm fields, canoeing waterways, walking the woods, and admiring wildlife. Mel and Judy spent many retirement years serving the community through Habitat for Humanity by volunteering in the Quad Cities ReStore and traveling with Habitat Builds Worldwide. He was a man of uncommon sense of duty, honored to be an Eagle Scout, a grateful member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and proud of the family that he raised, loved, and encouraged.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Judy; son Brad (Tami) of Valparaiso, IN; daughter Brenda (Jim) Julovich of Bloomington, IN; son Loren (Allison) of Chelsea, MI; stepdaughter Kristin (James) Keller of Bloomington IL; and stepson Craig Brooks of Laramore, IA; as well as grandchildren Sam Julovich, Sarah Julovich, Cailey Rullman, Miranda Rullman, Zachary Stolbom and Ashely (Nolan) Vardinakis, Gregory and Stephanie Biggs. Also surviving include brothers Roger (Patty) Rullman, Roy (Linda) Rullman, sister Joyce (Gordon) Rich, sister-in-law Katherine (Jon) Lundvall, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Phyllis, and brother Millard.

The family is extremely grateful to UnityPoint Hospice for their care for the family.

Obituary may be viewed at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.