Loraine H. Rueckert

Loraine Helen Gurney Rueckert, age 99, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025 at Oakridge Gardens in Menasha. On April 22, 1926, Loraine was born in Beaver Dam to Frank and Helen (Palczewski) Gurney. For 71 years, Loraine was united in marriage to Vernon "Rick" Rueckert and they were blessed with two children: Patricia and Larry. Her dream of becoming a teacher was fulfilled when she was asked to teach in Neenah after only 3 years at the Oshkosh State Teachers College now known as the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1947. She completed her teaching degree at UW-O in 1962 after her 2 children were born. Loraine taught for a total of 29.5 years, plus 3.5 years as a substitute teacher. Her husband, Rick, was also a teacher which enabled the family to take extended summer vacations to all 48 contiguous states, plus Canada and Mexico. Their 25th wedding anniversary was celebrated in Hawaii. They also went on a cruise with their son and daughter-in-law: Larry and Cheryl, to Alaska and Loraine was proud to say she had visited all 50 states. Rick and Loraine traveled to the UK with Larry and Cheryl, crossed the English Channel and were met by their daughter, Patricia, to continue their travels in France. In the final period of her life, Loraine cherished viewing photographs which brought back many memories.
Loraine was a member of a number of Retired Teachers Associations, volunteered for the Theda Clark Hospital Auxiliary, and was a faithful member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Neenah since 1948.
Loraine will be greatly missed by her loving children: Patricia Rueckert, Naples, FL, and Larry (Cheryl) Rueckert, Au Train, MI; her grandsons: Sam and Tyler Rueckert, Au Train, MI; as well as two nephews: Ken Gurney, Milwaukee, WI and Rick Gurney, Tucson, AZ.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rick; and her three older brothers: Lawrence, Myron, and Clarence.
The Funeral Mass for Loraine will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 620 Division Street, Neenah, WI 54956. Visitation will be held from 10:30 AM until the time of the service at the church. Interment will take place in St. Michael's Cemetery in Beaver Dam, WI.
We hope our mom is now at peace joined by her loved ones who preceded her in death.