Ruth Mathilda Frieda (Gauerke) Rucks

Ruth Mathilda Frieda Rucks, age 92, died peacefully on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton.

Ruth was born on October 24, 1925 in Appleton the daughter of the late Erwin and Alma (Lemke) Gauerke. She was a 1943 Appleton High School graduate. Ruth was united in marriage to Arlin Rucks on April 28, 1946 in Appleton. She was a faithful member of First English Lutheran Church of Appleton where she was a member of the church choir and was a Bible study leader. She loved music and learned to play the piano at the age of 8. She also was involved with a couple of different bands in the area (Hot Shots Fun Lovers) and played the accordion with the bands. They played at area nursing homes, the Thompson Center and Senior citizen clubs of the Fox Cities. She also sang with the Hallelujah Gospel Choir.

Ruth is survived by her son, Jeff (Daney) Rucks, Fremont; a granddaughter, Melissa Soncic, Fremont; three brothers, Edward (Joan) Gauerke, FL; Norbert (Ardis) Gauerke, Neenah; and Larry (Jerry) Gauerke, Appleton; and by a sister-in-law, Gloria Yelczyn, Milwaukee; and by nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband in December of 1995.

The funeral service will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, February 16, 2018 at First English Lutheran Church, 326 E North Street, Appleton with the Rev. Jeff Tengesdal officiating. Inurnment will be in Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. Ruth’s family will receive relatives and friends at the church on Friday from 9-10:45 a.m. A memorial fund is being established for the church.

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