Thomas J. Rueckl, 80, Luxemburg, died Saturday morning, February 20, 2021 at a South Florida Hospital. Tom was born on January 31, 1941, in Luxemburg to the late George and Mildred (Novak) Rueckl. On November 24, 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Linda (Van Drisse) Rueckl, at St. Mary Church in Luxemburg. Tom attended St. Mary’s Grade School and graduated from the 8th grade in 1955. He was a 1959 graduate of Luxemburg High School, where he earned multiple letters in many sports. He was Homecoming King with his “forever” Queen, Linda (Van Drisse) Rueckl. After high school, Tom attended UWGB for 2 years, then finished his education at the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science (Milwaukee) and became a licensed Funeral Director in 1963.
From an early age, Tom found a love for Luxemburg and spent most of his life serving the community. In 1970, he was instrumental in the development of Northbrook Country Club. On June 22, 1972, he became an owner of McMahon’s of Luxemburg and served the community as a Funeral Director for 50 years. He was a member of the Fox River Valley Funeral Directors Association, the Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association, and the National Funeral Directors Association. He was a member and President of the Luxemburg Area Chamber of Commerce and he received the “Man of the Year” award in 1991. He was a member and President of the Luxemburg Jaycees and an officer and member of the Luxemburg Sportsman’s Club. He assisted local businesses and families in his role on the Bank of Luxemburg board for 27 years, where he served as Chairman from 2003 until his retirement in 2012. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary Church, Luxemburg, where he absolutely loved singing in the choir and was a member of the Holy Name Society. He served on the first school board and coached the boys’ basketball team for 8 years.
After Tom retired from the funeral business in 2005, he and Linda enjoyed their summers in Luxemburg and winters at their home away from home in St. Lucie West, FL. He also enjoyed golfing, hunting, feeding the birds, gardening, and most of all spending time with his family.
Tom’s family brought him such joy. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Linda, and their 4 children, Jeff (Lynn) Rueckl, Dave (Gail) Rueckl, Tim Rueckl, and Tom “Bomber” (Nikki) Rueckl. He will be missed by his 8 grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren that he loved so dearly: Christopher (Allison) Rueckl, Emily (Travis) Nichols, Jackie (Bob) Romuald, Jon (fiancé’ Amanda) Rueckl, Dana (Sean) Glinski, Alex (fiancé’ Alexis) Rueckl, Noah (special friend Amanda), Logan (special friend Mackenna), Becky Gerczak and Jessica (special friend Matt) Gerczak. He was fortunate to have several Great Grandchildren, as well: Trenton, Audrey, Wilder, Myles, Ethan, Kayla, Trenton, Trevor, and 2 more on the way. His two sisters, Kathy (Joe) Koss, Mary (Lyle) Charles; one brother, Dick (Pam) Rueckl; two sisters-in-law, Mary (Jack Davies) Van Drisse, Jane Kahr; nieces, nephews, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, Anthony Dhuey, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Norman and Beverly Van Drisse, two brothers-in-law, James Van Drisse, Fran Kahr; one great-grandson, Caden Gerczak.
Friends may call 3:00 to 7:00 pm at St. Mary Church, Luxemburg, Friday, February 26, 2021. Closing parish prayer service at 7:00 pm on Friday with Deacon Bob Miller. Visitation will continue between 9:00 and 11:10 am on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at St. Mary Church, Luxemburg. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, with Rev. Daniel Schuster officiating. Burial in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Luxemburg.
Covid-19 virus precautions will be practiced by, social distancing, sanitizing, and wearing a face covering, please.
The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed at 11:30 am on February 27, 2021, on the Facebook page of: St. Mary School of Luxemburg, WI.
McMAHON FUNERAL HOME, LUXEMBURG, is assisting the Rueckl Family. www.mcmahonfh.com
In lieu of flowers and other expressions of sympathy, memorial funds will be established in his memory for:
The Ribbon of Hope Foundation and St. Mary Church, Luxemburg.
