Arvilla Rueckert

Arvilla K. "Sammy" Rueckert, age 97 of Sauk Centre, died peacefully surrounded by her family Monday, November 1, 2010 at St. Michael's Nursing Home in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 5 at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Andrew Marthaler officiating. Interment will take place at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church. Christian Mothers rosary will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.

Arvilla Uphus was born March 18, 1913 in Ashley Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to Clem and Augusta (Middlestadt) Uphus. On July 11, 1946 she married Oscar Rueckert at St. Alexius Rectory in West Union, Minnesota. The couple resided in Vernon Center from 1949 to 1979, when they moved to the Sauk Centre area.Sammy was very active in her church from teaching religion classes to providing transportation. She volunteered as a candy striper at St. Joseph's Hospital in Mankato.

She was a member of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, Christian Mothers, American Legion Post 67 Auxiliary, and Sauk Centre Seniors.Sammy was a wonderful mother, homemaker, and baker, who loved to shop, embroider pillow cases and dish towels. She loved to write letters and maintained friendships for years through written communications. She also enjoyed playing the slot machines at the casino, playing cards with her family, and loved walking around the neighborhood.

Survivors include her husband of 64 years, Oscar Rueckert of Sauk Centre; four daughters, Carol (Jim Merwin) Rueckert of Green Valley, Arizona, Jane (James) Scheurer of Elysian, Judy (Kent) McMeen of Olathe, Kansas, and Candy (Garry) Freeman of Melrose; eight grandchildren; and 16 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Jennifer Lynn Scheurer; and sister, Elvira Marthaler.

Serving as casket bearers will be her grandchildren, Jeff, Justin, Jeremy, and Jessica Scheurer, Buffy Hilton, Heather Cooke, Erik and Kirsten Freeman. Cross bearer will be Sharon Marthaler. Honorary bearers will be the children of her niece and two nephews.

Memorials are preferred to St. Michael's Nursing Home in Sauk Centre.