"My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of grief. Mr Ruecker was a good neighbor and we have missed him and Mrs. Ruecker since they moved to Florida. Sharing in your sorrow, sincerely, Joan Mason at 119 E. Magnetic St."
In loving memory of
Robert G. Ruecker
December 20, 1917 - February 27, 2002
Robert G. Ruecker, 84, formerly of 102 E. Magnetic Street, Marquette, died at 12:10 a.m. February 27, 2002 at Colonial Lakes Health Care in Orlando, Florida.
Robert was born on December 20, 1917, in Marquette, the son of Otto and Josephine (OLeary) Ruecker. He is survived by his wife, Marie (Gravelle) Ruecker of Orlando, FL, son, James (Julie) Ruecker, Encinitas, CA, daughter Shirley (Gary) Sacheck of Little Rock AR, son Michael (Lisa) Ruecker, Orlando, FL; nine grandchildren, Steven Ruecker of Los Angeles, CA, David, and Suzanne Ruecker, Encinitas, CA, Jennifer and Amy Sacheck, Somerville, MA, Sam Sacheck, Norman, OK and Matthew, Chelsy, and Marcus Ruecker of Orlando. Also surviving are brother Patrick (Joan) Ruecker of Marquette and a sister, Lucille (Carrol) Asp of Norway, MI. Other survivors include several nieces, nephews and a dear niece, Carol Leisner (Thibodeau), Escanaba, MI.
Robert was a member of several organizations including Life Member status of Marquette Elks Lodge #405, past president of the Lions Club, Eagles, American Legion, St. Michaels Mens Club where he ushered 25 years, Marquette Range Engineers Club, Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of the State of Michigan Retired Employees Association.
He served his country during World War II from 1942 to 1946 in the 81st /322nd Infantry Combat Division in the Philippine Islands and Anguar Island. He was in the first troops to occupy Hirosaki, Japan. He held several ranks including 1st Sargent. Robert received the American Theater Service Ribbon, Victory Ribbon, and Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star and one Bronze Arrowhead.
He was employed at Cliffs Dow Chemical Company from 1939 to 1968 as a traffic manager and was also employed by the State of Michigan Department of Corrections as an accountant and business manager from 1968 to 1983 at which time he retired.
Robert and his wife loved to travel and spent winters in Florida after retiring. He enjoyed being outdoors and his hobbies included gardening and spending time at his fathers cottage. Robert and Marie would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year.
The family will greet relatives and friends at the Canale Tonella Funeral Home on Thursday March 7th from 4-8 p.m. where a parish prayer service will be conducted at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday March 8th at 12 Noon in St. Michaels Catholic Church with the Rev. Msgr. John E. Patrick officiating. Entombment will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum.