Cecile Rucks

Cecile Rucks, age 81, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026, at Frontida Assisted Living in Kimberly, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on December 11, 1944, to Clemens and Laura (Nowicki) Drover. On October 5, 1963, Cecile was united in marriage to Louis E. Rucks at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Berlin. Together they built a life centered on faith and family until Louis's passing in 2017. Cecile’s career was marked by her service to the Berlin community, working as a telephone operator and later spending 25 years sharing her love of nature at Jansen’s Floral , Berlin Greenhouse and the Lady Bug. Her true calling, however, was her tireless advocacy for animals. As a founding volunteer of the Green Lake Area Animal Shelter (GLAAS), Cecile worked long before a building existed, caring for animals in barns and fundraising to build the shelter that stands today. Her compassion continued through "Crazy Cat Ladies," a mission she co-founded to rescue, spay, neuter, and find forever homes for unhoused cats. Her own home was a constant sanctuary for any feline in need. Cecile’s spirit of service extended to "Friends of the Park" and the choir at All Saints Catholic Parish. An avid gardener, she found joy in everything that grew. Above all, she was her family’s greatest cheerleader, never missing a sports game, dance recital, music concert or cheer competition. Cecile’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the caretakers, nurses, and fellow residents of Frontida Assisted Living in Kimberly. You became her second family, and we are forever thankful for the dedication, friendship and genuine care you showed her during her time there. We also wish to thank Compassus Hospice for the gentle comfort and peace they provided Cecile in her final days.. She is survived by her children, Randolph (Teresa) Rucks, Rebecca (Todd) Voeltner, and Regina (Scott) Hoffmann; grandchildren, Taylor Rucks, Hannah Voeltner, Emma Rucks, and Samuel Rucks; and great-grandson, Harper Petit. She is further survived by her sisters, Mary (James) Kerr and Helen (Don) Piekarski; sister-in-law, Karen (Dave) Tetske; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Louis; and siblings, Dennis, Ellison, Paul, Fredrick, Joseph, Elizabeth, Barbara, and Linda; other relatives and many friends. A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday April 24, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Parish of Berlin with Father William Kearley officiating. Family and friends may visit with the family at church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the mass. Inurnment will be held at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery at a later time. In place of flowers, a memorial has been established in Cecile’s memory.

Cecile Rucks

December 11, 1944 - April 11, 2026