Roger Leland Rullman, 85, of Aurora, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, January 18th, 2022, in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. He was surrounded by his family. Roger was born July 20th, 1936, in Aurora, Indiana. He was the son of Harry and Alma (Benning) Rullman. Roger was a 1954 Aurora High School graduate. During his senior year, his basketball team beat the state champion Milan Indians in the regular season. Also, Roger scored all of the points for the football team that year, a total of one touchdown. These were two moments he was very fond of.
Roger was an extremely proud Valparaiso University Alumnus, graduating in 1958 with his degree in Business. Before being drafted, he spent some time working at Yellowstone National Park, which remained one of his favorite destinations to visit the entirety of his life. He served in the United States Army from 1959-1961. For the duration of his service, Roger was stationed in Germany. He spent his free time while overseas travelling to other countries in Europe. When asked about his experience, he said that being overseas for so long made him appreciate this country and all of the opportunities we have here.
After his service, Roger moved to Mundelein, Illinois, where he taught Junior High Science for six years. While there, he met the love of his life, Patty Hileman, who was studying for her Master’s Degree at Northwestern University. They married in her hometown, Wayland, Iowa on July 23rd, 1966. Patty and Roger moved home to Aurora in 1968, when Roger began school at the Cincinnati School of Mortuary Science. Roger and his brother, Millard, ran the Rullman Funeral Home together for the rest of their careers. Helping people navigate stressful times that follow death was Roger’s true calling. He continued to work after selling the business to his friend, Sharon Hunger, remaining on payroll until well after his 80th birthday. Roger loved nature, long walks at Lesko Park, growing tomatoes, and the Cincinnati Bengals.
Roger was so proud of his hometown. He and Patty raised their two daughters, Angela and Stephanie, in Aurora. He was an active member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, served on the Hillforest Historic Foundation for over 30 years, was a member of the South Dearborn School Board, and served as treasurer on the Aurora Public Library Board for 16 years. He was also a district president for two years for the Indiana Funeral Directors Association.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Alma; siblings, Phyllis Croll and her husband Bill, Millard Rullman and his wife Sally, and Melvin Rullman.
Roger is survived by his loving spouse of over 55 years, Patty (Hileman) Rullman, daughters, Angela (Matt) Burkhardt and Stephanie (Tim) Rice of Aurora, IN; grandchildren Nick (Nina) Burkhardt of Dayton, OH, and Rachel Burkhardt of Aurora, IN; great-grandchild Finn Burkhardt; siblings, Joyce (Gordy) Rich of Lomita, CA, and Roy (Linda) Rullman of Lafayette, IN, and many nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received Friday, January 21st, 2022, 4:00-8:00pm at St. John Lutheran Church, 220 Mechanic St. Aurora, IN 47001. Services will be held at St. John on Saturday, January 22nd, at 11:00am, with Pastor Ronald Stephens officiating.
Interment will follow at River View Cemetery, Aurora, IN. Military graveside services will be conducted by the Southeastern Indiana Honor Guard.
Contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, St. John Lutheran School, or Hillforest Historical Society. If unable to attend services, please call the funeral home office at (812) 926-1450 and we will notify the family of your donation with a card.