Richard L. Tucker, 62, of Marion, passed away Wednesday morning, Sept. 2, 2015, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.
Richard Lawrence Tucker was born on Dec. 12, 1952, in Racine to Alfred and Ruth (Larson) Tucker. On May 17, 1953, Richard was baptized at Atonement Evangelical Lutheran Church and was later confirmed at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, both in Racine. After graduating in 1971 from William Horlick High School in Racine, he went on to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Richard earned a bachelor’s degree in social studies and started teaching. He began his career at Wisconsin Dells Junior High teaching social studies and eventually taught all levels in the history department. Richard also instructed a social issues class to the Wisconsin Dells senior high classes until 1990. In 1986-1987 he received the Award of Excellence – High School Teacher of the Year from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. He also enjoyed coaching the girls varsity basketball team for some time while in Wisconsin Dells. He moved north to Marion and took a job with the Tigerton High School continuing to educate students about history. He was united in marriage on Nov. 26, 1993, to Wanda Erickson-Kurszewski at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Marion.
Richard was always passionate about his work and his favorite saying was, “I’m not a teacher. I’m an educator.” While at Tigerton High School, he coached the boys varsity basketball team for some years. Richard retired from full-time teaching in 2009 and remained in Tigerton teaching social studies part time until 2013. He was proud to be involved in many local events, including the Veterans Day program at school, playing Abraham Lincoln for the Tigerton Civil War reenactment, and became the radio voice of Premier Community Bank, Marion. Richard was honored to be named along with his wife as Citizens of the Year by the Tigerton Lions Club in 2012.
Richard was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Marion, where he was active as a reader, served Communion to the homebound, and even delivered a heartfelt sermon once in a while. He volunteered many hours with the annual Community Christmas Singers to present a beautiful cantata in the Marion area. Richard’s other interests included playing basketball, softball, tennis and volleyball. He loved the outdoors, trap shooting, and spending time with his family and friends.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 21 years, Wanda, and his dear mother, Ruth Tucker of Chilton. He is the loving father of five, Kami (Cliff) Coulthard, of Solon Springs, Stephanie (Kirk) Moore, of Fox Lake, Ryan (special friend Amber) Tucker, of Rochester, Minnesota, Matthew (Jennifer) Kurszewski, of Wittenberg, and Holly (Mitchell) Meider, of Peyton, Colorado. He is the adored grandfather of five, Jasmine, Isabelle, Ashley, Jaxon and Khloe. He is further survived by a sister, Karen (Al) Ebert, of Chilton; his mother-in-law, Joyce (Ronald) Christjohn, of Oneida; two sisters-in-law, Tammy (David) Vondracek, of Tigerton, and Amber Erickson, of Bristol, Virginia; a brother-in-law, Axel Low, of Mosinee. He is further survived by several nieces and nephews, many other relatives and friends and thousands of students whose lives he touched.
Richard was preceded in death by his father, Alfred, and his father-in-law, Herbert Erickson.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 318 E. Garfield Ave., Marion, with the Rev. Bradley Dokken officiating. Friends may call on Friday from 5-7 p.m. and on Saturday from 9-11 a.m. at the church.
The Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Marion, is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Richard’s name to support some of his favorite charities.
The family wishes to especially thank Dr. Joseph Lamb, Dr. Sumon Bhattacharjee and the staff of the Theda Clark Neurological Unit, along with ThedaCare at Home Hospice for the compassionate care given to Richard. An extra special thanks to the Tigerton School District and his sister-in-law, Tammy, for the love and care that they have given to us.