HOPKINS, Minn. — Margaret Alice Ruckdaschel, better known as “Tootie”, 85, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 13, 2019, at home in Hopkins, Minn. surrounded by family. Tootie was a wonderful person who was loved by many, is greatly missed, and will always be treasured.
Tootie, the oldest of three daughters of Edward and Hedwig (“Hattie”) Klicker, was born and raised on a farm near Wolsey. After graduating valedictorian from Wolsey High School in 1952, she earned a teaching certificate from Huron College. In 1972, she earned her BA degree in elementary education and English from Dakota State University, and later earned substantial credits towards her Master’s degree in special education from St. John’s University.
While at Huron College, Tootie met the love of her life, Jay Ruckdaschel. They married June 5, 1955, after Jay returned from the Korean War. Together they had three children: Karla, Kaye and Kim. Through the years Tootie and Jay, both educators, lived in several towns in S.D. and Minn., including many retirement years in Huron before moving to Hopkins. Tootie was always an advocate for the most vulnerable and spent the majority of her 26 years as a teacher helping special education students. A dedicated teacher, Tootie missed only one day of work in these years to attend her father’s funeral. After retirement, Tootie continued to be an active member of PTO, PEO, AARP, and her church, volunteering for many heartfelt causes.
Tootie truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures: coffee with family and friends, crafting, cooking, baking, canning, gardening, attending her grandchildren’s sports, band and other activities, and nightly phone calls with her sister, Molly. Tootie was a great host and is known for her large family Christmas parties. If you were a guest at her home, you never left hungry. She had a gift for making everyone she met feel loved and special.
Tootie also loved adventures with Jay. They spent much of their retirement years traveling to new places and visiting family. They enjoyed bus tours together, as well as trips to Mexico, England, France, Portugal, and Germany. Just four months before her death Tootie traveled to New Hampshire to watch her granddaughter, Sophia, play rugby at Dartmouth College against Harvard — a “bucket list” item.
Grateful to have shared her life is her husband of 63 years, Jay, and daughters Karla Hauk; Kaye (Todd) Eckstaine; and Kim (Kevin Haley) Ruckdaschel-Haley; sister Marlys “Molly” (Robert) Barker; seven grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends. Preceding her in death are her parents, Edward and Hattie (Sibbers) Klicker, infant daughter, Lonna, and beloved sister, Elaine Loesch.
Tootie taught us all how to live each day, love, laugh, be strong, stay humble, be positive, and forgive. Until we meet again, Tootie, we love you and know you live in our hearts.
A funeral service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, March 2, at the Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Hopkins (715 Minnetonka Mills Road, Hopkins, Minn.) with pastor Sarah Moat officiating. Visitation will be 10 a.m. at the church with lunch following the service. The family welcomes family and friends to an informal open house event Friday, March 1, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Sheraton Minneapolis West Hotel (12201 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55305) to celebrate Tootie’s life.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gethsemane Lutheran Church or the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance.
Condolences may be sent to Washburn-McReavy, Hopkins Chapel, 1400 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343, 952-938-9020 or
Visit www.washhburn-mcreavy.com
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