Kurt Andrew Rueckel

Kurt Andrew Rueckel, 60, passed away on July 12, 2025.

Born in Buffalo Grove, Illinois on September 28, 1964, Kurt was the son of Harry and Ruth Rueckel. He worked for the cities of Waukee and Des Moines as a Budget Analyst for over 20 years, work he missed even after he retired. He also served as a volunteer with the Iowa Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, and the Animal Rescue League, regularly giving back to the community he loved.

Kurt married the love of his life, Lucia, on June 27, 1992, at Augustana Chapel in Rock Island, Illinois. For 33 years, they built a life full of love and travel, from Illinois to Florida and all across Brazil and Europe. They raised one daughter, Lizandra.

Kurt was a passionate gardener who received and maintained the Master Gardener status through Iowa State University. He also loved to bake cookies, bread, and pizza. He and his friends would host pizza-baking competitions, where he adamantly proclaimed that the person who baked the best crust was the true winner, even if they didn’t take home the main prize.

Kurt is survived by his wife, Lucia; daughter, Lizandra; son-in-law, Kenan; his two sisters, Lisa (Jeffrey), and Laura; two nephews, Brian and Geoffrey; niece, Jamie; and additional family and friends in both the United States and Brazil.

The family will host a celebration of Kurt’s life at a later date.

Print