"My sincere condolences to the family Marie Agnes Ruecker It was not the Creators purpose for mankind to suffer (Romans 5:12). May the Creator give you peace through his promise to comfort us (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). Cherish all your happy memories and I hope that you are consoled by Bible promises of a hopeful future (John 17:3)."
In loving memory of
MARIE AGNES RUECKER
June 18, 1919 - June 13, 2014
Marie A. Ruecker, 94, formerly of 102 E. Magnetic Street, Marquette, died at 9:15 a.m. June 13, 2014 at her son's home in Orlando, Florida. She would have celebrated her 95th birthday on June 18, 2014. She had been residing in Orlando, FL since 2000.
Marie was born on June 18, 1919, in Marquette, the daughter of Otillia and Joseph (Bittner) Gravelle. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Ruecker (2002), her sister Pauline (1952), and brother Albert (1997)
She is survived by three children: son, James (Julie) Ruecker of Encinitas, CA, daughter, Shirley (Gary) Sacheck of Winter Park, FL, son, Michael (Lisa) Ruecker of Orlando, FL; and nine grandchildren: Steven (Amy) Ruecker of Encinitas, CA, David Ruecker of Lanikai, O'ahu, HI, Suzanne Ruecker of Sacramento, CA, Jennifer (Chris) Sacheck-Ward of Cambridge, MA, Amy Sacheck of Cambridge, MA, Sam (Jessica) Sacheck of Austin, TX, Matthew Ruecker and Chelsy Ruecker of Orlando, FL, and Marcus Ruecker of Mirimar, FL. Also she had four great grandchildren: Eden and Iris Ruecker of Encintas, CA, and Tess and Austin Ward of Cambridge, MA. The great grandchildren referred to Marie as, "Marie the Great." Other survivors include several nieces and nephews, including a dear niece, Carol Leisner (Thibodeau) of Escanaba, MI.
In her younger years Marie enjoyed ice skating. She was a 1940 Winter Carnival Queen candidate and also played ice hockey in a female league at the old Palestra. She met her husband of 59 years, Robert, while skating at the Palestra and eventually married him on December 23, 1942, while he was home on leave from the military. She was employed as a stenographer at the LS&I facility in Marquette prior to being married. One of her favorite memories of working at the LS&I was when she met Henry Ford while he was there on a business trip.
After her husband returned from serving in the military during WWII, they started their family and Marie dedicated her life from that point on to raising her children. She also cared for her niece, Carol Leisner, for several years after Carol's mother (Marie's sister), Pauline, passed away in 1952.
After her husband retired in 1983, they enjoyed traveling and spent their winters in Florida. They spent many winters at Cocoa Beach where they enjoyed walking along the seashore and looked forward to weekend visits from their children and grandchildren.
In 2000, Marie and her husband moved to Florida to spend their remaining years close to their son Mike and his family. When her husband passed in 2002, Marie lived by herself for the next 10 years before moving in with her son Mike and his family.
Marie was an inspiration to her family and will be greatly missed and always in our hearts. She will be keenly remembered for her quick wit, resilience, and determination.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 in the church with Rev. Larry Van Damme officiating. Entombment will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"Dear Shirley, Mike and Jim, Oh, how much fun our parents had together! Our days growing up on East Magnetic Street were like the real "Happy Days" I loved both your parents, after Jim and I were married we tagged along with them to the Elks, and Jim, your dad and my dad went to 'Range Engineers ' together. None of them were engineers or range workers, but was 'men's night out' Your mom was such a sweetheart! I know she missed Marquette, But occasionally we'd catch up with each other and I'd fill her in on all the news. The four of them, Elie and Frank, and Marie and Bob, are probably planning where they'll go on Friday night! At least that is how I like to imagine heaven! I'm sorry I was not able to join you today in Marquette, know that Jim and I both send our love to all of you and your families!"
"Dear Shirley, Mike and Jim, I am sorry to hear that your mom has passed. Although 95 is certainly a good run, no one looks forward to joining this club. I have such fond memories of the 100 block of east magnetic. I know my mom is planning to join you tomorrow as she and your mom go way, way back. She always felt that the block was a bit diminished when your folks moved to Florida. I wish I was in the area to join you at St. MIchael's but please know that you are in my thoughts and I will light a candle tonight in honor of your mom."
"Jim and family, Leslie and I express our condolences. I am certain you have many treasured memories of your mother. I was pleased to have been able to provide her a tour of the San Diego Botanic Garden a few years back when you brought her out and she was one of the more fun people I have had the chance to to do that for. She reminded me allot of my own mother. A great lady to be sure. Julian and Leslie Duval"
"Jim, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time"
"Deep condolences to the Ruecker family, Her long life has left many happy memories to savor long after her passing. God bless...."